Central Florida News

Business and Community Leader, Media Personality Michael Brodsky Joins Future Dreamers & Achievers Executive Board

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Future Dreamers & Achievers, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting performing arts through education and scholarship, is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Brodsky to its Board of Directors.

With an outstanding track record of leadership and a strong commitment to community development, Mr. Brodsky brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the organization. As a visionary business leader, his strategic insights and proven ability to drive impactful change will undoubtedly bolster Future Dreamers & Achievers’ mission of encouraging students to pursue higher education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Brodsky to our Board of Directors,” said Bob Rivera, President and Founder of Future Dreamers & Achievers. “His exceptional leadership skills and dedication to fostering the potential of our youth in the performing arts align perfectly with our organization’s values and goals. We look forward to his valuable contributions and insights as we continue to empower and inspire young individuals to reach their fullest potential.”

Mr. Brodsky expressed his excitement about joining the board, stating, “I am honored to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to shaping the future of our youth. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated team at Future Dreamers & Achievers to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation and make a positive impact on their lives and communities.”

Mike Brodsky is a Financial Advisor, Author, Speaker, Sports Journalist, Actor, and former Television Producer. He has most recently served as the Chairman of the Board of The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, a Furniture and Clothing Bank. He also serves as the President of the Yale Alumni Association of Central Florida and the All-Ivy Club of Central Florida. He is a member of the Business Board of Directors for World Sports Alumni, and is a member of the Team Selection Committee for Florida Citrus Sports. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for The JCC of Greater Orlando, Distinguished Young Women of Florida, and the Orlando International Fringe Festival.

With Mr. Brodsky’s addition, Future Dreamers & Achievers is confident in its ability to further expand its initiatives in education and scholarship and create a lasting, positive influence on the lives of young individuals, ultimately contributing to a brighter and more promising future for generations to come.

For more information about Future Dreamers & Achievers and its initiatives, please visit www.futureDNA.org.

Central Florida News

State Attorney Monique Worrell Responds to Court’s Denial of Bond for Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting Case

Published

5 days ago

September 5, 2025

Willie David

File - State Attorney Monique Worrell | Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – State Attorney Monique Worrell issued a statement following the court’s decision to deny bond for Anthony Shea, a former deputy charged in connection with a fatal shooting.

Court’s Decision Reflects Seriousness of Charges
“The Court’s decision today to deny bond for Anthony Shea reflects the seriousness of the charges he faces,” Worrell said. Shea remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward in a case that has drawn significant public and law enforcement attention.

Honoring the Victim’s Life and Service
“Beyond the legal proceedings, this case is about honoring the life of a woman who dedicated herself to protecting others,” Worrell added. “This was a tragic loss of life that has deeply impacted the law enforcement community, as well as our circuit.”

Commitment to Justice
Worrell emphasized her office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is served. “We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the victim during this painful time. Our office remains steadfast in ensuring that her service, her sacrifice, and her memory are met with the justice they deserve.”

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Morris Day & The Time, Dru Hill, SOS Band Headline 2025 Heart & Soul Festival

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The wait is over for music lovers across Central Florida. Star 94.5’s 5th Annual Heart & Soul Music Festival returns on Saturday, October 11, 2025, bringing an unforgettable night of soul, R&B, and funk to the Apopka Amphitheater.

Star-Studded Lineup

This year’s festival showcases some of the biggest names in soulful music. Headliners include Morris Day & The Time, The SOS Band, Dru Hill, Carl Thomas, and Chante Moore—each bringing their own timeless hits and electrifying performances to the stage. From funk classics like “Jungle Love” to smooth ballads like “I Wish,” the 2025 lineup promises an evening of nostalgia and nonstop energy.

Festival Details

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Gates Open: 2:30 p.m.
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Apopka Amphitheater – 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway, Apopka, FL 32712

Labor Day Weekend Ticket Special

Fans can take advantage of a 20% discount on General Admission tickets during Labor Day weekend only. Use promo code Star20 at checkout for savings.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Central Florida’s most anticipated music events of the year.

Central Florida News

Orange County to Hold Public Hearings on $8.3 Billion FY 2025-26 Budget

Published

2 weeks ago

August 28, 2025

Willie David

Orange County Government Commission Meeting. Photo by J Willie David, III | Florida National News

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will host two public hearings on the proposed $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, September 4, and Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. inside the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center.

Affordable Housing and Transportatio

Orange County continues its Housing For All initiative, with nearly 3,000 affordable units already created. For FY 2025-26, $17.7 million has been allocated to the affordable housing trust fund as part of a ten-year, $160 million commitment.
Transportation improvements remain a major priority, with $23.9 million designated for the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program, building on more than 60 completed projects in the program’s first year. This is part of a five-year investment of over $100 million in safety and efficiency upgrades.

Public Safety and Parks

Public safety remains one of the largest investments, with more than $1 billion allocated across Fire Rescue ($575M), Corrections ($220M), and the Sheriff’s Office ($446M). The budget supports new staff, infrastructure improvements, and additional fire stations to maintain rapid response times.
The county will also invest $133 million in Parks and Recreation for 15 Capital Improvement projects to enhance parks, trails, and recreational amenities across Orange County.

Utilities and Essential Services

For FY 2025-26, Orange County will invest $297.9 million in utility infrastructure, covering water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and solid waste systems. As an enterprise fund, Orange County Utilities is funded through customer rates and fees, not tax dollars, ensuring continued delivery of essential services.