Connect with us

Business

District Supervisor Daisy Morales held her 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour in Apopka with USDA-NRCS

Published

on

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – This morning at Apopka City Hall, your elected Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales held her 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour in Apopka as part of her office month long celebration of Earth Day.

Federal, State, City and community stakeholders at the 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour at Apopka City Hall Council Chamber

Federal, State, City and community stakeholders at the 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour at Apopka City Hall Council Chamber

District Supervisor Daisy Morales was joined by Chuck O’Rourke with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Apopka Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, Nattacha Wyllie, Special Assistant to Eatonville Mayor, Julie Rojas-Stayrook with the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Farmwork Job and Education Program, Osceola Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Mildred Ramirez, Osceola County Clerk of Courts Armando Ramirez, UCF’s SGA Health & Sustainability Coordinator Emily Dovydaitis, SEIU Organizer Terri Falbo, Farmworker Association of Florida Representatives and other stakeholders from organizations supportive of environmental and sustainability efforts.

Apopka is also known as the “Indoor Foliage Capital of the World” because of its multi-million dollar foliage industry, stated District Supervisor Morales. This was one of her reasons for selecting Apopka to hold her first annual Earth Day Awareness Tour.

April 22 is the annual day for National Earth Day and my office cannot celebrate Earth Day across Orange County in one day, stated District Supervisor Morales. The theme for Earth Day across the country this year is “it’s our turn to lead,” so I’m inspiring elected officials, farmers, ranchers and residents to make a big difference in environmental conservation.

As your elected Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor for Orange County, my office and also the State of Florida Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors work in partnership with federal, state, regional, county, and local governments on natural resources issues, said District Supervisor Morales. Morales office provides educational awareness and information on grant funding opportunities offered by the government and private sectors to her constituents.

Daisy USDA Apopka

USDA-NRCS Chuck O’Rourke and Honorable Daisy Morales, State of Florida Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, Seat 2 at Apopka City Hall for the 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour. Photo by Willie David Florida National News

In her first term elected to public office, District Supervisor Daisy Morales invited federal officials with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to participate in her first annual Earth Day Awareness Tour. USDA-NRCS give a presentation on the Department’s programs and grant funding opportunities offered to farmers, ranchers and other landowners.

Apopka has a wide variety of nurseries that provide over half the indoor foliage sold by retailers around the Country, and the USDA-NRCS is a key federal agency in providing technical and financial support to landowners and operators.

USDA-NRCS Chuck O’Rourke , Soil & Water District Supervisor Daisy Morales and Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez issue final remarks at the 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour, Thursday, April 30, 2015. Photo by Willie David Florida National News

USDA-NRCS Chuck O’Rourke , Soil & Water District Supervisor Daisy Morales and Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez issue final remarks at the 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour, Thursday, April 30, 2015. Photo by Willie David Florida National News

After USDA-NRCS presentation; Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales, Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, USDA-NRCS Officials and others toured the Agri-Starts nursery on Kelly Park Road in Apopka Thursday.

Apopka-based Agri-Starts – a leading supplier of plant tissue cultures and starter plants – earned a 2014 Ag-Environmental Leadership Award from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The company captures rainwater for irrigation, recycles materials and makes many other efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. Find out more below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0m2oOW4jwg | Award

ABOUT DISTRICT SUPERVISOR DAISY MORALES
Elected November 2014 for term January 2015 to January 2019, Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales serve on the State of Florida Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, Seat 2, representing Orange County, one of the most dynamic and diverse counties in Florida, which includes the following cities and towns: Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, and Winter Park. Before being elected to office, Morales served as Associate Supervisor for the District from April 2014 to January 2015. Morales elected office is authorized by Florida Chapter 582.

ORANGE COUNTY CONSTITUENTS CONTACT DAISY MORALES
Email: moraleselected@yahoo.com | Website: www.moraleselected.wix.com/news

Florida National News photos 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour | FNN News Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages

Published

on

The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.

MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.

Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.

Bringing care closer to families

Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.

For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.

“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.

Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.

Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.

“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”

Expanding women’s specialty services

The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.

The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.

“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”

The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.

Supporting students and schools

Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.

LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.

“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.

She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.

Location and appointments

The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.

To schedule an appointment, call:

  • Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
  • Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
  • Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
  • Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380

For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.

Continue Reading

Business

GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies

Published

on

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.
A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.

The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.

“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families

Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.

Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.

Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.

Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program

GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.

Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.

Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.

Aviation Investments and International Service

The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.

International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.

GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility

The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.

The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.

Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.

A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.

GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.

Continue Reading

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

on

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

More Than 400 Exhibitors Showcase Restaurant Solutions

According to organizers, the combined events feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing food and beverages, equipment, technology and services.

Participating companies include Gordon Food Service, Back of House, PizzaMaster, Horizon Food Brokers, Keg Kraft Beverage Company, Galbani, Florida Dairy Farmers, Stirling Food Systems, Specialty Butter and OGGI Foods.

For operators facing rising costs, staffing challenges and changing technology, the events offer opportunities to compare products, meet suppliers and explore ways to improve efficiency and the guest experience.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

  • Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
  • Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending