Florida

Citizens Protest Decision for Toll Road Through Split Oak Forest Park

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

President of Friends of Split Oak Forest, Valerie Anderson denounces violations with proposed road expansion across Split Oak Natural Reserve during a press conference in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, April 28, 2022. (Photo: Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Conservation groups and local residents held a press conference to protest the recent approval of the Osceola Parkway extension through Split Oak Forest Park by the Florida Communities Trust Board (FCTB) last week.

“Citizens have strongly expressed their opposition to this project,” said Maria Revelles, director of conservation group Chispa Florida, during the conference held at the park. “In fact, 86% of Orange County voters approved a referendum that restricts the ability of the Board of County Commissioners to amend, modify, revoke or limit the use of Split Oak for conservation.”

“Changing these convictions sets a bad precedent for conservation in our state, that no protected land is truly protected,” she added.

The 1,700-acre forest was originally set aside for conservation projects, bought in 1994 by Orange and Osceola counties for $8.6 million.

But in December 2019, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and four Orange County commissioners approved the $800 million road project, which, according to Friends of Split Oak Forest president Valerie Anderson, would sever 77 acres off the park and cut off the movement of vulnerable species that live there, like gopher tortoises and Florida panthers.

“We still have several options. We can challenge it administratively…and there is a constitutional issue here, from the Florida constitution. There’s a provision called Article 10, Section 18 [called the Everglades Trust Fund] that says that conservation lands can not be disposed of without a determination that it is no longer needed for conservation,” Anderson explained.

The FCTB decision now has to go back to both Orange and Osceola county commissions for final approval.

Frank Rivera, a 21-year resident of Osceola and Chispa volunteer, called on the leaders of Orange and Osceola to uphold what “perpetuity” means.

“Words have meaning. We teach children to pledge alliance to the flag. When you go into the service, you pledge an oath to defend the Constitution. Now it seems that ‘perpetuity’ doesn’t mean ‘forever’. We know what is behind this decision. It says that this park is hardly visited, that if we have a new road more visitors will come. But what it will really mean is more cars, more houses, more businesses.”

“Just remember, four of the five districts in Osceola are Latino communities, so this is a Latino issue,” he added. “We won’t forget.”

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the FCTB does not represent the people of Orange or Osceola but rather “their political appointees” and “probably have never even set foot here” in Split Oaks, so should never have been allowed to vote on the project.

“The decision they made, even with all the protections, even with all the Constitutional amendments, was not surprising to me. We knew it had to stay here where the voters could speak on this. So right now, what is going to happen next, from inside at least, is we have to listen to the voters,” she added.

José Javier Pérez, community organizer for Chispa Florida, reminded everyone that Florida was the seventh state in the United States with the most highways, over 275,000 miles. “Do we really need another highway at the expense of losing natural areas that provide invaluable natural services and improve our quality of life?” he asked.

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Juan Carlo Rodriguez is a politics and entertainment reporter for Florida National News and Assistant Editor for FNN News en Español. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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Business

FNN Spotlight Javier Garcia: From Producing Publix Toledo Scale Handrails to Leading in News Media and Youth Mentorship

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News proudly recognizes Javier Garcia, a dedicated sports reporter for FNN News en Español and co-host of the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025. Garcia’s story highlights his contributions not only to journalism, but also to Florida’s metal fabrication industry and his commitment to youth advocacy.

Javier Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances.

Javier Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry.

From Metal Fabrication to Lasting Impact

Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry, working for Downing Sheet Metal, a Winter Park company with over 100 years of history. This role taught him discipline, teamwork, and innovation. At just 20 years old, Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances. His craftsmanship became part of Florida’s everyday history, a contribution that continues to touch countless lives.

Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. Parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game.

Advocacy and Mentorship for Youth

Beyond his industrial contributions, Garcia has dedicated his time to uplifting young people. He visited correctional facilities to motivate and inspire incarcerated youth, earning a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Florida, presented under Secretary James V. Crosby Jr. and Administrator Charles E. Germony. His encouragement focused on ethics, resilience, and self-respect—values that continue to shape the next generation.

Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. When parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game. Later, in volleyball, his guidance transformed a struggling team into victors, reminding young athletes to focus on good serves, joy, and encouragement. That single win symbolized more than a scoreline—it was a triumph of character and unity.

Media, Community, and Continuing Legacy

As a reporter and podcast host for FNN News en Español, Javier Garcia brings his passion for storytelling to the broader Hispanic community. His sports coverage spans the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, and other major sporting events. Beyond sports, Garcia reports on cultural moments such as the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in Downtown Orlando, as well as everyday events that matter to the community. Through his work, he amplifies Hispanic voices, highlights community achievements, and inspires others to share their stories. Garcia also invites members of the Hispanic community to participate as guests on the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, ensuring their contributions are celebrated and remembered.

Florida National News proudly honors Javier Garcia for his passion, integrity, and lasting contributions across industries and generations.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

Jenny Rosario, VP of Florida National News, Kicks Off 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2025

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News kicks off the 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting one of its own: Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News and FNN News Network. Appointed to the VP role in January 2020, Rosario has been a pillar of the organization since joining in 2014, previously hosting the FNN Entertainment Buzz Show while also reporting for the network.

FNN is honored to showcase Rosario’s contributions in media, entertainment, acting, and film production as she continues to lead Florida National News and FNN News Network into the future.

A Bronx Native with Cuban and Puerto Rican Roots

Rosario, a native of the Bronx, New York, is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. She began her career in film and production after graduating from Valencia College’s Film Program with a degree in Film Production Technology. Starting as a production assistant, she worked her way through multiple roles including makeup artist, script supervisor, writer, producer, and director. She later launched her own small production company, Rmarcfilms Corp., and founded Pink River Productions DBA The Booking Actor.

Her on-screen career blossomed as a lifestyle and fashion model before she pursued acting studies in 2000. Discovered by a scout, she was recruited into pageantry and went on to win several titles, including Ms. Latina Florida USA (2002), Ms. Latina International (2003), and Ms. International World (2015).

Education, Career, and Global Mission Work

Alongside her entertainment career, Rosario is a strong advocate for education. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Project Management. She is also a spokesperson, life coach, and the accomplished author of the children’s book Sunny Days with Mommy and Me. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rosario is a dedicated local and global missionary, having completed mission work in Ukraine, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Her extensive portfolio includes hosting talk shows, appearing in hundreds of commercials, and acting in both feature and short films. Rosario’s ability to balance leadership at FNN, her acting career, community advocacy, and missionary work highlights her versatility and dedication.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025

Florida National News’ celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Monday, September 15 through Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The annual observance recognizes the culture, traditions, and contributions of U.S. residents tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Through its spotlight on Jenny Rosario, FNN proudly honors her Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage and her significant impact as a Latina leader in media, entertainment, and the community.

___________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Florida

Governor DeSantis Pushes to Correct Census Undercount, Calls for Fair Representation in Congress

Published

2 months ago

August 20, 2025

Willie David

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis announced his support for updating the 2020 Decennial Census, a move that could secure additional congressional seats for Florida. He was joined by Attorney General James Uthmeier, who has been leading the charge to correct census errors and push for reapportionment that reflects Florida’s true population.

“Even the Biden administration acknowledged that Florida got shortchanged in the reapportionment stemming from the last census,” Governor DeSantis said. “My office is working with Attorney General Uthmeier in our mission to secure Floridians’ due representation in Congress and to fix mistakes that have been identified in the aftermath of the 2020 Census.”

Attorney General Uthmeier echoed the Governor’s concerns, highlighting what he described as deliberate efforts that hurt Florida. “Florida was robbed by the left’s multi-year effort to rig the 2020 Census, and Floridians didn’t get the representation they deserve in Congress,” Uthmeier said. “President Trump called for a new census, and I’m ready to work with Governor DeSantis to bring solutions to the president and get it done.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Post-Enumeration Survey (PES), Florida was one of the most severely undercounted states during the 2020 Census. The PES revealed Florida’s population was undercounted by nearly 3.5 percent—a shortfall that cost the state additional representation in Washington.

Adding to the urgency, Florida has grown by nearly two million residents since 2019, many of whom were not captured in the Census Bureau’s 2020 reports. Leaders argue that this undercount means Florida is currently vastly underrepresented in Congress, despite being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier pledged to continue pursuing every legal and political avenue to ensure Floridians receive fair representation based on the state’s true population.