TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their 2025 season with a hard-fought 23-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, extending their franchise-record streak to five consecutive season-opening wins dating back to 2021. Head coach Todd Bowles improved to 4-0 in Week 1 since taking over the team.

With the win, Tampa Bay claimed sole possession of the NFC South, a division they’ve now led or shared for 59 of the last 73 weeks, including four straight division titles (2021–24).

Rookie Egbuka Shines in NFL Debut

Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka stole the spotlight, hauling in four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner with just 59 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

• Egbuka became the first player in the NFL to record multiple touchdown catches in his debut since Jahan Dotson (2022).

• He is only the second Buccaneer ever to achieve the feat, joining TE Alex Smith (2005).

• He also became the first Tampa Bay rookie since Mike Williams (2010) to score the team’s first touchdown of a season.

Mayfield, Evans, and Irving Deliver Offensive Firepower

Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes, finishing 17-of-32 for 167 yards with no interceptions (99.3 passer rating). He also rushed for 39 yards on five carries. Since 2023, Mayfield leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (72), ahead of Jared Goff (67) and Lamar Jackson (65).

• Bucky Irving caught his first career receiving touchdown, a 10-yard strike from Mayfield.

• Mike Evans led the team with five receptions for 51 yards, passing Hall of Famer Art Monk for 23rd on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list.

• Tampa Bay’s rushing attack topped 100 yards for the 15th time since the start of 2024, tied for fourth-most in the league.

Defense and Special Teams Step Up

Tampa Bay’s defense held Atlanta to just 69 rushing yards on 28 attempts (2.5 yards per carry), their lowest mark since November 2024. New addition Haason Reddick recorded his first sack as a Buccaneer, while safety Tykee Smith led the defense with 11 tackles.

On special teams, Kameron Johnson broke free for a 53-yard punt return, Tampa Bay’s longest since 2015. Punter Riley Dixon impressed in his debut with a 51.3-yard average on four punts, including a 62-yard boot.

What’s Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Buccaneers (1-0) will look to build on their strong start as they prepare for a Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans in Texas. With Egbuka’s breakout debut, Mayfield’s steady leadership, and a dominant run defense, Tampa Bay aims to solidify its early NFC South lead.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Cassie Donegan, Miss New York, has been crowned Miss America 2026 following two inspiring nights of preliminary competition and the final night of pageantry at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center. Chosen from among 52 delegates representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Cassie becomes the 98th woman in the organization’s 104-year history to earn the crown—and the eighth Miss New York to achieve the title.

Scholarships and Advocacy for Arts Education
Cassie has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, supporting her undergraduate studies and pursuit of a master’s degree. Raised in a non-traditional household, she credits the arts with giving her a safe, empowering space. That experience fuels her Community Service Initiative, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.” Over nearly two decades, she has advanced arts accessibility by directing youth theatre curricula, curating a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and founding three scholarship funds. Her mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to embrace creativity and self-expression.

Leadership and Professional Achievements
Outside of her advocacy work, Cassie serves as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand into a multi-state business. Her leadership has created flexible career opportunities and financial stability for hundreds of women balancing work, family, and passions. Cassie is also a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association, with a professional performance career that includes sharing the stage with nationally recognized talent.

2025 Cassie Donegan, Miss New York. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

A New Era of Miss America
“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Cassie shared. “I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”

The finale was hosted by Nikki Novak and Billy Gilman, with a celebrity judging panel including Mayan Lopez, Frederick Anderson, Frank Kelleher, Jen Hale, and Tawny Godin Welch. Cassie secured the crown after advancing through multiple rounds and joining the Top 5 finalists alongside Sadie Schiermeyer (1st Runner-Up, TX), Paris Richardson (2nd Runner-Up, FL), Audrey Kittila (3rd Runner-Up, GA), and Emma Terry (4th Runner-Up, AL). Semi-finalists included Kennedy Holland (AR), Zoe Scheiderich (TN), Maria Derisavi (MD), Anna Leah Jolly (MS), Ariana Rodriguez (KY), and Nitsaniyah Fitch (IL).

As Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan will serve as the official national ambassador for the Miss America Opportunity, traveling nationally and internationally to promote scholarship, service, and her advocacy for arts education.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News Entertainment team Monica Hoyos and Kareen Kennedy covered the red carpet arrivals Friday night at Universal Orlando for the Miss America’s World Gala. The evening welcomed the celebrity judges, the 2025 Miss America and Miss America Teen, and the 2026 contestants. The gala also highlighted the collaboration between the Miss America Scholarship Foundation and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative.

From the fashion show runway to the parade roadway, the idea of reviving the iconic Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” tradition is taking shape

Miss America 2016 Parade and 2025 Fashion Show Photos by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Beloved Tradition Returns
The spotlight of the night was the return of a cherished tradition: the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” parade. This year, the tradition took shape as a dazzling fashion show parade at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where the Miss America Class of 2026 showcased extravagant footwear designed to represent their home states and territories. Florida National News has a long history of covering the parade, dating back to its Atlantic City Boardwalk days more than a decade ago.

Orlando as the New Parade Home
Orlando has established itself as the host city for a variety of large-scale parades and events, making it a natural candidate for the revival of the “Show Us Your Shoes” parade. Orlando’s own Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap is an ideal choice to host the event’s return. Florida National News envisions a vibrant parade rolling through downtown Orlando, featuring contestants in convertibles wearing custom-designed shoes that honor their states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico—the latter home to the largest Puerto Rican population in the U.S.

Seeds of a Bigger Celebration
This weekend’s shoe fashion show raises a bigger question: is Miss America planting the seeds for a full downtown Orlando parade? Local leaders—including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings—could play pivotal roles in making this vision a reality, supporting contestants as they represent their home states in this iconic tradition.

What’s Next for the Miss America Shoe Parade?
The next Miss America will be crowned Sunday night in Orlando. As the pageant continues to evolve, the fashion show parade may mark the first step toward reviving the full-scale “Show Us Your Shoes” parade in downtown Orlando, giving the City Beautiful another signature event on the national stage.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com