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Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Endorses Rep. Daisy Morales to Represent Florida’s Main Tourism Corridor

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ORLANDO, Fla. – State Representative Daisy Morales’s re-election campaign announced today the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s endorsement of her candidacy for House District 44 along with other Orange County candidates in the August 23rd primary.

“CFHLA PAC and PC is extremely excited to support this diverse and passionate group of bipartisan candidates throughout the 2022 election cycle,” said Jay Leonard, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, and the Chairman of the CFHLA PAC and PC, in CFHLA’s press statement. “Each of these pro-hospitality candidates understand the importance of tourism and are eager to help find solutions to the challenges that we face as a region and as a state.”

Robert Agrusa, president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, went on to say, “We are confident that if elected, each of these candidates will seek policy solutions that not only support the hospitality industry and its workforce, but the continued vitality of our state and local community. We are proud to stand with each of these candidates and we strongly encourage our members to do the same on August 23, 2022.”

The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s mission is to advance tourism and the community through hospitality. As the world’s largest regional lodging association, CFHLA represents approximately 80 percent of the more than 129,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and nearly 500 “supplier” organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries.

“I’m honored to have the CFHLA’s endorsement,” Rep. Morales said. “I’m committed to Florida’s economic growth, especially in the I-Drive corridor. The tourism and hospitality industry is our #1 economic engine, and I’ll continue to work to protect the best interests of both the industry and its employees. They have a friend in Tallahassee.”

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Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson Crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027

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15 minutes ago

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September 6, 2026

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Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson celebrates onstage after being crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Anderson made history as the first Miss Utah’s Teen to capture the national title, emerging from a field of 52 delegates. Source: Miss America

Anderson makes history as Utah’s first Miss America’s Teen winner, earning the national crown after preliminary wins in talent and evening wear

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson was crowned Miss America’s Teen 2027 on Saturday, becoming the first representative from Utah to win the national title and the 21st young woman to wear the Miss America’s Teen crown.

Anderson emerged from a field of 52 state delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico during the national competition in West Palm Beach.

Her victory follows preliminary awards in talent and evening wear. Anderson earned the talent recognition for her violin performance of “Czardas” by Vittorio Monti.

Elle Anderson Makes History for Utah

Anderson’s victory marks a milestone for the Miss Utah organization as its first Miss America’s Teen national title.

Beyond competition, Anderson has focused her platform on youth leadership, service and emergency preparedness.

Her Community Service Initiative, Every Beat Matters, was created in honor of her late brother and promotes teen-focused CPR training and emergency readiness.

The initiative centers on three principles — Confidence, Preparation and Rescue — with the goal of giving young people practical skills that could help save lives.

More Than $40,000 in Scholarships

Anderson has earned more than $40,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity.

She is enrolled at Brigham Young University, where she plans to study journalism and business. Anderson also plans to pursue law school.

Her combination of academic goals, community service and performing arts experience helped distinguish her throughout the national competition.

Anderson: ‘You Don’t Need a Crown to Be a Leader’

As Miss America’s Teen 2027, Anderson will serve as a national ambassador for the program, traveling and encouraging young women to pursue leadership and community service.

“I want every young person I meet this year to walk away knowing that their voice matters, their choices matter, and most importantly, they matter,” Anderson said in a statement.

“You don’t need a crown to be a leader. You don’t need a title to serve. You don’t need to wait for someone to tell you that you’re ready. You are ready,” she added.

Anderson said she wants to spend her year as Miss America’s Teen reinforcing that message to young women across the country.

Miss America’s Teen 2027 Top Five

Anderson secured the crown after advancing through multiple rounds of competition and reaching the Top 5.

Madalyn Sullivan of Mississippi was named first runner-up, followed by Zoe Zogleman of Texas as second runner-up, Natalia Yurecko of Minnesota as third runner-up and Logan Wells of South Carolina as fourth runner-up.

Semifinalists included Melony Tidmore of Georgia, Aria Christensen of Oregon, Tianna Lei Wailehua of Hawaii, Camdyn Lee of North Carolina, Lucille Esler of New York and Kendall Laroche of New Hampshire.

A New National Role Begins

With the crown, Anderson begins a yearlong national role representing Miss America’s Teen and promoting her Every Beat Matters initiative.

Her historic victory combines several elements of the Miss America Opportunity — scholarship, talent, service, education and leadership — while giving Utah its first Miss America’s Teen national title.

For Anderson, the crown also provides a national platform for a deeply personal mission: helping young people develop the confidence and preparation to respond when someone’s life may depend on them.

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Miss Texas, Miss Utah and Miss New Jersey Win 2026 Miss America Preliminary Talent Awards

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1 day ago

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September 5, 2026

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Photo: Miss America

Miss Texas, Miss Utah and Miss New Jersey earn Miss America talent honors as national competition heads into championship weekend

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — The Miss America Organization announced the 2026 Miss America and Miss America’s Teen Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Award winners following the Miss America’s Got Talent competition at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

The Sept. 3 competition showcased the talents of delegates competing for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen titles, with performances spanning a range of artistic disciplines.

Miss America preliminary talent winners Miss Texas Regan Hutsell, Miss Utah Erika Dalton and Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright celebrate after receiving Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards during the Miss America’s Got Talent competition in West Palm Beach, Florida. Source Miss America

 

Miss America Preliminary Talent Award Winners

Three Miss America delegates received Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards, with each winner earning a $3,000 scholarship:

  • Miss Texas Regan Hutsell
  • Miss Utah Erika Dalton
  • Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright

The awards recognize artistry, creativity, discipline and dedication demonstrated during the preliminary talent competition.

Miss America’s Teen preliminary talent winners Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson, Miss Oregon’s Teen Aria Christensen and Miss New Hampshire’s Teen Kendall Laroche celebrate with their Kawai Pianos Preliminary Talent Awards during the national competition in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Miss America’s Teen Preliminary Talent Award Winners

Three Miss America’s Teen delegates also earned preliminary talent honors. Each receives a $1,500 scholarship:

  • Miss Utah’s Teen Elle Anderson
  • Miss Oregon’s Teen Aria Christensen
  • Miss New Hampshire’s Teen Kendall Laroche

The six preliminary awards provide a combined $13,500 in scholarships.

Seven Judges Evaluate Miss America Talent Competition

The preliminary talent performances were evaluated by a seven-member judging panel representing entertainment and the performing arts.

Judges included Alida Michal, Brooklyn Mack, Jill Twiss, J. Harrison Ghee, Lora Drasner, Shelly Bramhall and Marisha Wallace.

The talent competition remains a central component of the Miss America program, giving delegates an opportunity to demonstrate performance ability while competing for scholarship awards.

Miss America Championship Weekend Continues in West Palm Beach

The national competition continues Saturday, Sept. 5, with the Miss America’s Teen Final at 7 p.m.

The Miss America Final follows Sunday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m., when the organization is scheduled to crown the 99th Miss America.

Both events are being held at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach as The Palm Beaches hosts the national competition.

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Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Lake and Stephen Wilson Jr. to Headline Audacy’s Stars and Strings in South Florida

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2 days ago

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September 4, 2026

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Audacy’s Stars and Strings, presented by Xfinity, will feature Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Lake and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, on Nov. 12, 2026. The event benefits Folds of Honor. Source: AUDACY

11th annual country music benefit returns to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, supporting scholarships for families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (FNN) — Country music stars Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Lake and Stephen Wilson Jr. will take the stage in South Florida this fall for Audacy’s 11th annual Stars and Strings, presented by Xfinity.

The benefit concert returns to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Thursday, Nov. 12, marking the event’s fifth year in South Florida.

The star-studded evening will benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders.

Star-Studded Country Lineup

The 2026 lineup brings together several prominent names in country and contemporary music.

Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert and Brandon Lake will be joined by Audacy LAUNCH artist Stephen Wilson Jr. for the annual event.

Stars and Strings will be hosted by South Florida country radio station KISS Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM), with station personalities Dina B, TC, Katie Neal, Rob, Holly and Coop participating in the evening.

“Country music has a long, proud tradition of honoring our service members, and Stars and Strings continues to bring that tradition to life,” Tim Roberts, Audacy’s country format vice president, said in announcing the event.

“Now in its fifth year in South Florida, Stars and Strings has become a powerful reflection of the deep ties we share with the communities we serve. We’re excited to unite fans and honor the sacrifice, service and legacy of America’s heroes.”

Concert Supports Folds of Honor

Beyond the music, Stars and Strings will raise awareness and support for Folds of Honor and its scholarship programs.

Since its founding in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 73,000 educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders, according to event organizers.

The organization says 91% of every dollar raised directly supports its scholarship programs, helping spouses and children pursue educational opportunities.

Tickets and Presale Information

The Stars and Strings presale is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, or while supplies last.

Fans can obtain presale information by following KISS Country 99.9 on social media, subscribing to the station’s newsletter or listening on-air.

General ticket sales begin Friday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. Eastern through Ticketmaster.

Stars and Strings 2026 at a Glance

What: Audacy’s 11th Annual Stars and Strings, presented by Xfinity
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Where: Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida
Performers: Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Lake and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Beneficiary: Folds of Honor
Host Station: KISS Country 99.9 (WKIS-FM)

Stars and Strings is presented by Xfinity, with additional support from Visit Lauderdale, Liberty Mutual, AutoZone, NUTRL/Bud Light, Demesmin & Dover Law Firm and CareRite Centers.

The combination of major country music performers, a South Florida destination and a mission supporting military and first-responder families positions Stars and Strings as one of the region’s notable country music benefit events this fall.

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