ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The vibrant streets of Downtown Orlando were alive with color, music, and cultural pride on Saturday as thousands gathered for the 2025 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival. Among the many groups participating in this year’s celebration were the Puerto Rican Heritage Network (PRHN) and Walmart, who teamed up to spotlight Puerto Rican culture, heritage, and health awareness.

Puerto Rican Heritage Network and Walmart Join Thousands at 2025 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival

This year marked a meaningful return for the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, which made a powerful showing with nearly 60 volunteers, 6 vehicles, and 6 supporting businesses in the parade lineup. The collaboration between PRHN and Walmart highlights a longstanding partnership focused on empowering the Puerto Rican and Latino communities throughout Central Florida.

Puerto Rican Heritage Network in collaboration with Walmart spotlight the Taino People rich culture during the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Downtown Orlando, Satuday, April 26, 2025. Photo by Florida National News

A major highlight for PRHN’s appearance this year was its emphasis on the Taino People’s culture and heritage, honoring the Indigenous roots of the Puerto Rican people. Parade-goers were treated to displays celebrating Taino history, symbolism, and traditions, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting Puerto Rico’s Indigenous identity within the broader cultural narrative.

Daisy Morales, founder of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network and former Florida State Representative, expressed her appreciation for the growing community support and corporate partnerships that continue to expand the Network’s reach and impact.

“I applaud Walmart for our relationship that has spanned over a decade in empowering the Puerto Rican and Latino communities,” said Morales. “The Florida Puerto Rican Parade is another opportunity for us to focus on health, wellness, and educational awareness — especially of the Taino People’s heritage and rich culture.”

“Nearly 20 Walmart employees and volunteers joined the Puerto Rican Heritage Network at the 2025 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival in downtown Orlando on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Photo by Florida National News.”

This year’s parade theme, “Renewable Energy and the Environment,” held added significance as the event coincided with Earth Month. Morales, who also previously served as Supervisor of the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within community events.

“This theme made our collaboration with Walmart even more meaningful as we continue focusing on building healthy, sustainable communities,” Morales noted. “During the event, we provided parade attendees with fresh fruits, vegetables, and bottled water to encourage healthier habits and support environmental wellness initiatives.”

The Puerto Rican Heritage Network’s participation in the parade is part of a broader partnership with Walmart and other businesses that extends beyond the parade. According to Morales, plans are already underway for several additional events and community projects throughout 2025, culminating in a major cultural and wellness event this December.

_______________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Tragedy struck Florida State University on April 17 when a gunman opened fire near the campus student union, killing two people and wounding six others in a horrifying midday attack that left students scrambling for cover and the campus on lockdown.

The shooter, identified by police as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science major at FSU and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, began shooting around 11:50 a.m., according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. Campus police responded within minutes and shot Ikner after he failed to comply with their commands. He was transported to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and taken into custody.

Two non-students were killed on site, and five of the six injured sustained gunshot wounds. One person was hurt while fleeing the scene.

Weapons Belonged to Deputy Mother

The handgun used in the shooting was once the service weapon of Ikner’s mother, a school resource deputy at Raa Middle School in Tallahassee. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the weapon had become her personal firearm after being replaced by a newer model. Investigators also found a shotgun, though it’s unclear if it was used.

McNeil noted that Ikner had longstanding ties to the sheriff’s office, having participated in youth programs and trainings. “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said. His mother, whose name has not been released, has served the agency for over 18 years.

Eyewitnesses Recall Chaos and Fear

Students across campus reported moments of confusion and terror as the attack unfolded.

• Paige Miller, who was in a restroom near the student union, called 911 and barricaded the door after hearing what sounded like gunshots. “Suddenly three girls come running in, one of them crying,” she said.

• Andrew Cheyne, hiding in the student union’s basement, was with 30 to 40 others locked in the billiard hall. “I leaned on my Christian faith but was still frightened.”

• Students Sam Swartz and Sean Gulledg used trash cans and plywood to block hallways. “Everyone started freaking out,” Swartz said.

FSU Locks Down Campus, Cancels Events

In response, FSU canceled all classes and events through April 18 and shut down several buildings, including the Student Union, Bellamy, and Rovetta. Athletics events are canceled through Sunday. The area remains an active crime scene as the investigation continues.

The FBI’s Jacksonville field office is assisting local authorities.

Presidential Response

President Donald Trump, briefed on the incident, expressed condolences but reaffirmed his support for the Second Amendment. “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” Trump said.

Campus Remembers 2014, 2018 Tragedies

This marks another dark chapter for FSU, which faced a similar tragedy in 2014 when a gunman opened fire at Strozier Library, injuring three. The university also remembered Maura Binkley, a student killed in a 2018 Tallahassee yoga studio shooting. An event honoring her and promoting campus safety, scheduled for April 17, was canceled due to this latest tragedy.

Where to Report Info

FSU urged those with relevant information to contact police at 850-891-4987.

As the community grieves and searches for answers, the university and law enforcement are working to ensure accountability, transparency, and healing.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) joined Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Representative Dotie Joseph at a press conference to address concerns over potential Medicaid cuts proposed by House Republicans and their impact on Florida families, according to press release by Congressman Frost.

Critical Medicaid Support for Floridians

Florida is one of ten states that has yet to expand Medicaid to leverage federal funding, which would help low-income Floridians afford healthcare. Currently, nearly 4 million Floridians rely on Medicaid for medical services.

The latest Senate-approved spending bill calls for $2 trillion in spending cuts by 2034. The bill directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce costs by at least $880 billion, with Medicaid being the largest budget component under the committee’s control. Given that Medicare is protected from cuts, Medicaid faces a significant risk.

Congressman Frost’s Strong Rebuke

“The question I’m here to ask is if you support cuts to Medicaid, do you not realize that you’re supporting cuts to the Florida budget?” said Congressman Frost. “That’s how this works. We give federal dollars to the state of Florida so they can provide healthcare to people that need it—children, pregnant people, and seniors. If you’re cheering on cutting Medicaid, you’re cheering on losing money to help Floridians. In the wealthiest country on this Earth, everyone deserves access to quality healthcare.”

Calls for Medicaid Expansion

“Right now in the state of Florida, the total uninsured population is over 2.4 million, and if we were to expand Medicaid, 1.5 million Floridians would gain coverage,” said Representative Dotie Joseph, who has introduced legislation advocating for Medicaid expansion. “It’s a no-brainer. Why should we do it? It saves money and saves lives. This simple policy decision would bring tremendous financial relief for everyday people.”

Fentrice Driskell Defends Medicaid’s Purpose

“Medicaid is a program we’ve all paid into,” said Leader Fentrice Driskell. “It’s intended to be a safety net to provide for those who can’t afford essential, life-saving services. It’s the contract we all agreed to as Americans. This nation of amazing success and prosperity will ensure that our sick, disabled, and elderly aren’t left to suffer.”

Driskell emphasized the urgent need to protect Medicaid and continue funding healthcare for millions of Floridians.

______________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com