Business
AACCCF Announces “A Night in New Orleans” Theme for 2025 Eagle Awards Gala Set for February 28
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) has officially announced Friday, February 28, 2025, as the date for its prestigious Annual Eagle Awards Gala. Themed “A Night in New Orleans — Let the Good Times Roll,” the 2025 Eagle Awards Gala will celebrate the excellence, resilience, and impact of Central Florida’s Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. This year’s gala promises an unforgettable evening of New Orleans-inspired music, culture, and community recognition.
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Walt Disney World Resort (Title Sponsor) proudly present the 2025 Eagle Awards on February 28th at Walt Disney World Resort.
AACCCF President & CEO Statement to Florida National News
“The Eagle Awards Gala is the pinnacle of the Chamber’s year,” said AACCCF President and CEO Tanisha Nunn Gary. “This event not only honors the exceptional businesses and leaders in our community but also reinforces our commitment to fostering economic empowerment for Black-owned businesses in Central Florida.”
AACCCF’s 2025 Eagle Awards Categories:
- Emerging Business of the Year
- Enterprise Business of the Year
- Eagle Award
- Small Business Advocate Award
- MLK Humanitarian Award
- Corporate Recognition Award
These awards celebrate businesses of all sizes and industries, showcasing the transformative power of entrepreneurship and corporate support for the African American business community in Central Florida.
Supporting the Black Business Community in Central Florida
As the leading advocate for African American-owned businesses, AACCCF has championed economic success, education, and advocacy for over 75 years. Through events like the Eagle Awards Gala, the Chamber empowers local businesses, strengthens community ties, and fosters a thriving network for Black entrepreneurs and enterprises. The funds raised during the gala enable AACCCF to continue offering resources, training, and support to the Black business community throughout Central Florida.
Mark Your Calendar: Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses and community leaders. Early bird tickets are now available, and award nominations are open for submissions. Join us in recognizing and uplifting the businesses driving our diverse economy forward!
Submit Nominations: Nomination Link Purchase Tickets: Ticket Link
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III, Florida National News & FNN News Network
Janira Garcia, Director of Corporate Partners, Florida National News & FNN News
janira.garcia@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Business
New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages
Published
1 day agoon
October 30, 2026The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.
MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.
Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.
Bringing care closer to families
Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.
For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.
“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.
Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.
Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.
“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”
Expanding women’s specialty services
The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.
The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.
“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”
The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.
Supporting students and schools
Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.
LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.
“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.
She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.
Location and appointments
The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.
To schedule an appointment, call:
- Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
- Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
- Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
- Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380
For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.
Business
GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies
Published
1 week agoon
October 22, 2026Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.
The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.
“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”
A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families
Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.
Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.
Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.
Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program
GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.
Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.
Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.
Aviation Investments and International Service
The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.
International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.
GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.
Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility
The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.
The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.
Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.
A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.
GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.
Business
Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 9, 2026The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.
The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.
Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.
More Than 400 Exhibitors Showcase Restaurant Solutions
According to organizers, the combined events feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing food and beverages, equipment, technology and services.
Participating companies include Gordon Food Service, Back of House, PizzaMaster, Horizon Food Brokers, Keg Kraft Beverage Company, Galbani, Florida Dairy Farmers, Stirling Food Systems, Specialty Butter and OGGI Foods.
For operators facing rising costs, staffing challenges and changing technology, the events offer opportunities to compare products, meet suppliers and explore ways to improve efficiency and the guest experience.
Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI
More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.
Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.
A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.
A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.
Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs
The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.
The announced schedule includes:
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
- Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.
The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.
Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.
Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation
The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.
Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”
The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.
One Registration Connects Two Industries
By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.
The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.
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