Business
Attorney Ben Crump Casts Dark Cloud Over Universal Roller Coaster Ride Safety After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The family of 31-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, joined by famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, held a press conference demanding answers after Zavala’s tragic death on Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Stardust Racers roller coaster.
Attorney Ben Crump Questions Safety of Universal’s Epic Universe Roller Coaster After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala in Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Zavala, described by loved ones as a lifelong Central Florida resident and “roller coaster freak” who loved theme parks, died last week after becoming unresponsive on the dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of 62 mph. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and listed the manner of death as accidental.
Despite those findings, Crump cast doubt on the coaster’s safety protocols, vowing to push for transparency and accountability from Universal Orlando Resort and state investigators.
Family and Attorneys Demand Transparency
During the press conference, Zavala’s parents, and siblings remembered him as independent and active despite a spinal disability that required the use of a wheelchair. “This night, he was fine,” Crump said, noting Zavala had no medical restrictions and had safely ridden other attractions earlier that same day at Epic Universe.
Crump rejected the notion that Zavala’s disability caused his death, instead pointing to the medical examiner’s report of blunt force trauma. “We have to know what happened,” Crump emphasized. He argued that Zavala’s injuries indicated his head may have struck part of the ride or restraints multiple times, leaving him unconscious for much of the ride.
Family, Lawyers Demand Answers in Death of Disabled Man on Universal’s Stardust Racers Ride, Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III
Attorney Natalie Jackson, who is also representing the family, echoed that conclusion, citing eyewitness accounts of repeated head strikes. “His disability did not kill him,” Jackson stated firmly. “It was the blunt force trauma.”
Universal and State Investigators Defend Safety Measures
Karen Irwin, president of Universal Orlando Resort, issued a statement saying that the theme park’s internal review found all ride systems functioning normally, with equipment intact and staff procedures properly followed. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services echoed those findings in its initial review.
The park’s accessibility guide warns that riders must be able to maintain upright posture, support their torso and head, and brace with at least one arm during sudden ride movements. Despite this, Universal has closed the Stardust Racers indefinitely while conducting a full safety review with its manufacturer.
Crump, however, insisted that Universal’s review is not enough. He said the family has requested release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage. The attorneys also plan to hire independent experts in ride safety, design, and operations to conduct their own investigation.
Push for Stronger Theme Park Safety Laws
Crump drew comparisons to his work on the high-profile case of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who fell to his death from the drop tower at Orlando’s ICON Park in 2022. That case spurred the Tyre Sampson Act, championed by the late Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson, which tightened safety requirements for smaller attractions.
“All we’re asking is that these multi-billion-dollar entities put safety above profits, so no one else dies on their rides,” Crump said. He confirmed to Florida National News that he is already in discussions with Florida lawmakers about expanding safety regulations to include the state’s largest theme parks.
Meanwhile, Zavala’s family is preparing to lay him to rest. His funeral will take place Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Funerari San Juan Funeral Home on South John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. The public is invited to attend.
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Monica Hoyos and J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
