Business
Adam Rosen, Son of Orlando Philanthropist Harris Rosen, Dies of Brain Cancer
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Adam Michael Rosen, son of Orlando philanthropist and hotelier Harris Rosen, passed away peacefully Friday after a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. He was 26 years old.
Attorney and close friend of the Rosen family, Mark Nejame, posted a tribute on his personal Facebook profile Monday:
“It is with a saddened and heavy heart that Runway to Hope and my family are celebrating the life of Adam Rosen, who passed away peacefully Friday after a 2 1/2 year battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. Adam’s father, philanthropist and hotelier, Harris Rosen, has been a hug[e] supporter of Runway to Hope in its efforts to end the scourge of pediatric cancer, hosting the annual gala at Rosen Shingle Creek. Three years ago, Adam was a celebrity escort, walking the runway with and supporting the young children with childhood cancer. In the most perverse of ironies, Adam himself was diagnosed with brain cancer, only a few weeks later at only 22 years old. This past May, Adam walked hand in hand on the runway with his parents, Harris and Trish. He beamed his contagious smile and flexed to the adoring crowd who all cheered him on with a standing ovation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Adam continued to inspire us all with his courage and optimism.” – Mark Nejame on Facebook
Source: Mark Nejame/Facebook
Mark Nejame has developed a close relationship with the Rosens through his annual Runway to Hope Spring Fashion Soiree, which benefits pediatric cancer research and is held at the Rosen Shingle Creek each year.
Adam Rosen’s fight for life touched the hearts of leaders throughout Orange County, including Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, who had burst into tears in the middle of her congratulatory speech during the renaming of the YMCA Aqautic Center in Rosen’s name in July as Adam was gently escorted into the audience while she was speaking. Adam garnered a standing ovation.
Harris Rosen high-fives his son Adam during the renaming ceremony of the YMCA Aquatic Center in Rosen’s name back in July. Photo: Mellissa Thomas/Florida National News.
“Adam will be missed but the inspiration he gave to us all will remain for our lifetimes and beyond,” Nejame concluded. “Rest in Peace brave Adam and may your friends and family find some during this difficult time. #letsholdhands #letswalktogether #letsendchildhoodcancer #adamstrong”
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
Terminal 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.
Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.
According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.
FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices
Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.
The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.
Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.
Photo: Florida National News
Food, Entertainment and Family Activities
The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.
Photo: Florida National News
A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte
Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.
The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
- Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
- Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
- Admission: Free and open to the community
- Registration: Not required
Photo: Florida National News
Vendor Inquiries
For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.
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