Business
District Supervisor Daisy Morales held her 2015 Earth Day Awareness Tour in Apopka with USDA-NRCS
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
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.
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
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
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
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