South Florida News
Empower signs new partnership with Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Dolphins
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidGREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – Empower is announcing the kickoff of a new partnership with Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Dolphins.
Empower, a provider of retirement services and personal financial planning with $1.6 trillion in assets under administration serving 18 million Americans,1 will be the entitlement partner of Hard Rock Stadium’s Club and Suite Level.
The new agreement will include in-stadium branding at Miami Dolphins games and on social media channels. As the Official Retirement Services Partner of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, Empower will also sponsor the Miami Open presented by Itaú, one of the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments, which is held at the stadium each spring.
The newly established partnership aligns Empower with one of the strongest and most recognizable brands in professional sports. It also includes Empower’s support of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) initiative, which raises funds for innovative cancer research and is the NFL’s largest fundraising event.
“The Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium are the leading provider of sports and entertainment in South Florida and beyond,” said Empower president and CEO Edmund F. Murphy III. “Empower is very pleased to align its brand with an organization that has a legacy of teamwork, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Through this new partnership, we will have the opportunity to deliver our value proposition to a broader NFL audience and new audiences.”
“We are proud to partner with organizations that share our vision of being best in class, customer centric, and driven for success, and Empower certainly embodies that,” said Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium Vice Chairman, President, and CEO Tom Garfinkel. “Empower will not only provide brand recognition through their entitlement of our Club and Suite Level, but even more importantly, their innovative retirement service offerings will give our staff and fans the resources they need to financially prepare for the future. We are looking forward to working together with Empower to better serve our organization and the South Florida community for years to come.”
Along with brand partnerships with Miami Dolphins football and the Miami Open, Empower will enjoy unique hospitality and engagement opportunities across Hard Rock Stadium’s sports and entertainment calendar. These include global events such as international soccer, college football, automotive events and concerts.
Murphy explained that as Empower expands its focus to help more individuals and families better understand investing and their holistic financial needs, visibility in the South Florida market is important due to the demographic trends in the region and the concentration of Americans who relocate south in their post-working years.
“The NFL continues to be the premier professional sports league in the U.S., and its popularity creates a diverse, passionate fan base that spans every demographic,” said Empower Chief Marketing Officer Steve Jenks. “By partnering with the Miami Dolphins, we have the opportunity to deliver our value proposition to a very broad audience.”
Partnering with the Dolphins aligns with the organization’s theme of “Empowering What’s Next,” which is based on the idea that success in any facet of one’s life – including financial planning, preparing for retirement, and competitive athletic training – are all accomplished with forward thinking, goal setting, and excellent execution.
“As a company, our mission is to help people understand the value of planning for what’s ahead, for what’s next in their lives,” said Jenks. “We believe our partnership with the Dolphins can help highlight the idea that anyone can lead the life they want with a focus on the future.”
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
Published
4 days agoon
July 6, 2026BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.
Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.
“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”
Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.
Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.
According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.
Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.
Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.
South Florida News
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE
While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Published
1 month agoon
May 31, 2026MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.
Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.
13 Years in the Florida Legislature
Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.
His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.
Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid
Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.
The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.
Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.
“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”
Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention
Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.
Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
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