Business
Dr. Vikki Kennedy Johnson Headline YMCA 25th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Over 1000 guests were inspired by Dr. Vikki Kennedy Johnson who gave the keynote address at the YMCA 25th Annual “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast honoring the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The prayer breakfast was held at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Monday, January 18, 2016, 7:45 a.m.
Keynote Guest Speaker, Dr. Vikki Kennedy Johnson
Dr. Vikki Kennedy Johnson, acclaimed pastor, author and broadcaster, served as keynote speaker for the anniversary event. She is the granddaughter of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first black elected official. Photo by J Willie David III / Florida National News
“Like Dr. King, my grandfather had a dream that everyone would get along and be decent to one another if only given a chance,” said Dr. Kennedy Johnson. “There’s power in a dream, but the challenge for us today is to embody the dream, persevere and make a difference.
Welcome Remarks, Dan Wilcox, YMCA of Central Florida
“It is upon each of us to continue pushing for positive change,” stated Dan Wilcox, Dan Wilcox, YMCA of Central Florida President/CEO. “Today, and every day, our organization is working to improve the lives of all people. “We hope you’ll join with us through the Y’s cause and mission to be a force for positive change.”
Presenting Sponsor, Derek Lewis of PepsiCo, Inc.
Derek Lewis, Senior Vice President/General Manager, PepsiCo, Inc., is an event speaker and presenting sponsor of the YMCA 25th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, held Monday, January 18, 2016. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
The event’s other speakers included Dan Wilcox, President & CEO, YMCA of Central Florida, former Orange County Commissioner Homer Hartage, Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Derek Lewis, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo, Inc., Mike Manuel, Chairman, YMCA Metropolitan Board of Directors, Marcus Riggins, President, Southwest Orlando Jaycees, Tim Weisheyer, Osceola County School Board Chairman, and Marcia Hope Goodwin, Director of the City of Orlando’s Office of Community Affairs and Human Relations.
Musical Entertainment, La Rue Howard
Musical entertainment was provided by La Rue Howard (l) who was join on stage by Fox TV “The X Factor” Music Diva Lillie Nicole McCloud, (c) and Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap (r) who sang the Star Spangled Banner earlier. Photo by Willie David/Florida National News
Orlando’s music star La Rue Howard of the River of Life Christian Church, along with the Experience Center Praise Choir provided the morning’s musical entertainment.
Four Scholarships Awarded
The annual event provided four scholarships to local high school seniors. The recipients included Vivek Suri of Winter Park High School; Ajalie Coryat of Lake Nona High School; Mitchina Dorson of Maynard Evans High school; and Neil Rios LaVerde of Colonial High School.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Clerk of Courts, received the Southwest Jaycees’ Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicated public service.
Elected Officials Attended
Fox TV “The X Factor” Season 3 Music Diva Lillie Nicole McCloud poses for a photo with The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando and The Honorable Daisy Morales, District Supervisor, Orange County Soil & Water Conservation Board, Seat 2 at the YMCA 25th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, Monday, January 18, 2016. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Among the 1000 plus YMCA guests were several elected officials attending the annual prayer breakfast noticed by the Florida National News included US Congressman Daniel Webster, Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson, Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke, Orange County Commissioner Victoria Siplin, Orange County Soil & Water Conservation Board Supervisor Daisy Morales, Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, Orange and Osceola County State Attorney Jeff Ashton, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, and Orlando City Commissioner Samuel B. Ings.
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
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.
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