Central Florida News
Ads Claim Republican-Backed Carmen Torres’ Donors Gave to Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, and Big Insurance
Published
11 months agoon
By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic Senate candidate Carmen Torres is under fire for alleged connections to Republican donors who have supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Political mailers claim Torres’ donors gave $20 million to Trump, DeSantis, and other extreme Republicans, but no evidence has surfaced to substantiate these claims.
Despite accusations, Torres has called the attack ads misleading. “Competition is good, but I don’t have to cheat, lie or bully people to get elected,” she declared in a statement to Florida Politics. Fundraising records show no overlap between major donors to Torres and Trump or DeSantis.
“It’s really sad that they would stoop this low,” Torres said to WESH 2 News.
The ads, sponsored by the Consumer Rights Action Fund, also accuse Torres of receiving $900,000 from the insurance industry—a claim traced back to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article, which lacks the supposed citation. Torres raised over $112,000, but the donations don’t reflect contributions tied to Trump or DeSantis.
With an Aug. 20 Democratic Primary approaching, Torres is running against Kristen Arrington and former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.
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Central Florida News
Avelo Airlines Expands Service to Nine Destinations From Six Central Florida Airports
Published
5 days agoon
July 9, 2025By
Willie David
CENTRAL FLORIDA, (FNN) — Avelo Airlines is giving Central Florida travelers even more options for affordable travel, announcing today the extension of its flight schedule through mid-February 2026. The announcement arrives just in time for families and travelers to begin planning winter holiday vacations and weekend getaways.
The airline, known for its everyday low fares and reliable service, is offering one-way tickets starting at $39 for flights to nine popular destinations across the country. Reservations are now available at AveloAir.com.
Expanded Service From Six Central Florida Airports
Avelo Airlines continues to expand its footprint in Central Florida, now offering flights out of six airports:
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Lakeland International Airport (LAL)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
These expanded services give travelers throughout Central Florida even more convenient options to reach top destinations across the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Nine Destinations Now Available Through February 2026
With this schedule extension, travelers can now book flights through February 10, 2026 to the following cities:
Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
Long Island / Islip, NY (ISP)
Nashville, TN (BNA)
New Haven, CT (HVN)
Philadelphia / Wilmington, DE (ILG)
Raleigh / Durham, NC (RDU)
Rochester, NY (ROC)
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
Wilmington, NC (ILM)
Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial, shared: “It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Central Florida flight schedule through mid-February 2026. With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their holiday vacations or weekend getaways.”
Stay with Florida National News for the latest updates on travel, tourism, and aviation industry developments across Florida.
Central Florida News
Former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy Joins Crowded Race for Orange County Mayor
Published
5 days agoon
July 9, 2025By
Willie David
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy officially announced her candidacy for Orange County Mayor in a video posted to her social media platforms, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched and competitive political races.
Murphy, a Democrat who represented Florida’s 7th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023, enters a race that’s already filling up ahead of the November 2026 election, as current Mayor Jerry Demings is term-limited. She made history as the first Vietnamese American woman elected to Congress. Before her time in office, Murphy served as a national security specialist in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
A Crowded Field of Candidates Forms
Murphy joins a growing list of contenders for Orange County’s top elected position. The declared field currently includes entrepreneur Chris Messina, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.
Murphy’s Campaign Message and Priorities
In her campaign launch video, Murphy emphasized her bipartisan record in Congress and her private sector business experience as key assets she intends to bring to county government.
“Just like you, I’ve got skin in the game, and I’ll work every day to make Orange County the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Murphy said.
She outlined several policy priorities for her campaign:
Expanding affordable housing for working families
Strengthening public safety and community policing
Investing in education and youth programs
Enhancing county services
Diversifying Orange County’s economy by attracting new industries while continuing to support Central Florida’s tourism-driven economy
As of this report, however, official Orange County election records show Murphy has not yet formally filed her candidacy.

US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) served on the House select committee to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Stephanie Murphy
National Spotlight Expected
Murphy’s campaign is likely to draw national attention, not only because of her congressional background but also her role on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.
During her time in Congress, Murphy was part of the committee examining the actions of former President Donald Trump and his supporters in the 2021 Capitol riot. Several Florida and Orlando-based Trump supporters were arrested, sentenced, and later pardoned by Trump, the current presdent.
Given Murphy’s involvement in that investigation, her mayoral bid could attract scrutiny and commentary from Trump allies and conservative media outlets, positioning the race as a potential flashpoint in Florida’s political landscape heading into 2026.
Other Potential Candidates
Last month, former Congresswoman Val Demings announced she would not run for her husband’s job as Orange County Mayor, leaving the field wide open for other potential candidates. As Florida National News reported months ago, several names have been floated as possible contenders.
Among those mentioned are former Orange County Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd, as well as former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, who transformed his county office into a nationally and globally recognized leader. Singh’s annual State of Orange County Real Estate conference consistently drew more than a thousand attendees.
Stay connected to Florida National News for continuing coverage of the 2026 Orange County elections and local political developments.
____________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
ORRA Reports Nearly 14,000 Homes on the Market in May 2025, Median Prices Edge Up
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 23, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando housing market is gaining momentum heading into the summer season, with inventory reaching its highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest report from the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA). Nearly 14,000 homes were listed for sale in May, while both sales and pending contracts posted modest gains.
State of the Market
ORRA’s May 2025 State of the Market Report shows inventory rising 4.9% month-over-month, from 13,304 homes in April to 13,957 in May — the highest since January 2011. The supply of homes in the Orlando area increased to 5.47 months, approaching the six-month threshold that signals a balanced market between buyers and sellers.
Overall sales increased by 3.7%, with 2,551 closings in May compared to 2,459 in April. Pending sales also moved higher, up 2.1% from 4,151 in April to 4,238 in May.
Homes spent an average of 68 days on the market, slightly down from 70 days the month before. The median home price for the Orlando area rose marginally to $390,000, up from $389,900 in April.
“As we head into the summer season, the Orlando housing market is gaining momentum with more homes available and steady sales activity,” said Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association. “For buyers, the increase in inventory offers more choices and a chance to explore options that fit their needs. For sellers, it’s a signal to stay competitive — pricing and presentation matter more than ever in a market where consumers are weighing their options carefully.”
Inventory Snapshot
Orlando’s housing inventory climbed from 13,304 homes in April to 13,957 in May. The 5.47-month supply marked a 1.1% increase over April’s 5.41 months. In comparison, the market held just a 3.53-month supply in May 2024.
However, new listings declined 6.6% month-over-month, with 4,208 homes listed in May, down from 4,503 in April. This trend suggests some homeowners are approaching the busy summer market with caution.
Sales Snapshot
In May:
Single-family home sales rose 5.4%, with 2,066 homes sold, up from 1,960 in April. The median price increased to $420,000.
The condominium market slowed, with 239 units sold, an 8.1% drop from April’s 260. The median condo price held at $190,000.
Townhouse and villa sales edged up 2.9%, with 246 units sold in May compared to 239 in April. The median price was $347,500.
Distressed property sales remained low, making up just 0.9% of total sales in May, with 22 distressed transactions, down slightly from 24 in April.
For a full breakdown of the May 2025 State of the Market Report, visit the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association website.
Florida National News (FNN) will continue to track and report on Central Florida’s real estate trends as the market moves deeper into the second half of 2025.