Central Florida News
Florida Blue Florida Classic Weekend Kicks Off With Tremendous Community and Corporate Support
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University are thrilled to announce a robust roster of corporate and community partners for the 2023 Florida Blue Florida Classic. Leading this impressive list are long-standing sponsor Florida Blue and new sponsor Wells Fargo, two of two dozen companies backing college football’s premier HBCU rivalry this year.
Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, continues its commitment as the Florida Classic title partner for the 13th year. They also sponsor the annual Kickoff Luncheon and the Battle of the Bands events on the Friday before the game. The revenue generated from the Florida Blue Florida Classic game and its accompanying events is invested in scholarships and other academic opportunities at both participating universities.
“We’re extremely proud to support Florida’s HBCUs and enjoy our ongoing partnership with FAMU and B-CU to help strengthen and expand student learning opportunities at both institutions,” said Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market President for Florida Blue. “In addition to the support we provide through the annual Florida Classic game and festivities, we continue to provide post-graduate management training offerings through the expansion of our growing HBCU internship program. Florida Blue remains committed toward our continued efforts to advance educational equity, excellence and economic opportunities for these future leaders and the many communities they serve.”
Wells Fargo will join the Classic lineup as a presenting sponsor of Friday afternoon’s Florida Classic Consortium Luncheon presented by Florida Blue and Wells Fargo — one of several ancillary events backed by the organization, including a HBCU Conversation Series workshop focused on supplier diversity and small business held Wednesday.
“As long-standing supporters of HBCUs, Wells Fargo has provided more than $40 million in strategic investments for programming, scholarships and direct giving to these institutions over the last 12 years,” said Wells Fargo Senior Diversity & Inclusion Consultant Dewey Norwood. “We’re excited to be involved as the Official Banking Sponsor of the Florida Classic and to unveil a unique limited-edition Florida Classic HBCU Legends debit card that celebrates the longstanding tradition of this game between FAMU and B-CU.”
Established in 1978, the Classic moved to Central Florida in 1997, introducing a new model where the two universities share the entire financial windfall from the event. The Florida Classic is currently the only HBCU rivalry owned and operated by its participating teams, with corporate support of the event benefiting the universities directly.
Returning sponsors, in addition to Florida Blue, include the City of Orlando, Cricket Wireless, the Crown Royal, Downtown Development Board, the Florida Department of Health, Florida Lottery, Ford, Home Depot, Orange County Government, Pepsi, Tito’s, Tobacco Free Florida, US Army, Visit Orlando and VyStar Credit Union. Publix also returns for its second year as a Florida Classic partner and will be the presenting sponsor of Friday night’s Florida Blue Battle of the Bands presented by Publix.
“Publix values diversity and opportunity and understands the impact access to education can make on students’ lives,” said Publix media relations manager Hannah Herring. “We are proud to return as a sponsor of the Florida Classic and continue our support of Florida’s HBCUs.”
Additional new sponsors supporting the Florida Blue Florida Classic alongside Wells Fargo include Disney on the Yard, AT&T, GSK, Health Matters Now, NASCAR and Rubenstein Law.
Disney on the Yard, which has a longstanding tradition of supporting HBCU education and advancement, will serve as the halftime sponsor for this year’s game. Two of the world’s most iconic marching bands will provide the soundtrack, as Florida A&M’s Marching 100 and Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats highlight the Disney on the Yard Halftime Show at the 2023 Florida Blue Florida Classic.
“Disney on the Yard fosters a thriving community for HBCU alumni at The Walt Disney Company, offering valuable opportunities like internships, mentorships, and career growth through partnerships with HBCUs nationwide,” said Kristi Breen and Avis Lewis, Executive Champions of Disney On The Yard.
Florida Citrus Sports, an Orlando-based not-for-profit organization known for organizing sports and entertainment events like the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl and Florida Cup, supports the Florida Classic Consortium in managing corporate partnerships for the Florida Classic.
In addition to gameday, the 2023 Florida Blue Florida Classic weekend will also feature various events, including a Night of Distinction welcome reception presented by Vystar Credit Union the evening of Nov. 16, the Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff Luncheon presented by Florida Blue and Wells Fargo (Nov. 17, noon) and the popular Florida Blue Battle of the Bands presented by Publix at Amway Center (Nov. 17, 7 p.m.), which features 12 of the country’s top high school bands, plus extended performances the FAMU “Marching 100” and B-CU “Marching Wildcats.”
On the field, this year’s Florida Classic marks the 77th overall meeting between the schools. Florida A&M won last year’s game 41-20, the Rattlers’ second straight win in the series. Florida A&M leads the all-time series 51–24–1; since the Florida Classic made Orlando its permanent home, Bethune-Cookman holds a 13-12 advantage over the Rattlers.
An Orlando fixture, the Florida Blue Florida Classic drives nearly 60,000 spectators to Camping World Stadium each fall, with an estimated economic impact of $30 million annually. Nearly 1.5 million fans have attended the Classic since the game settled in Central Florida in 1997; the event also holds the Camping World Stadium football attendance record (73,358), set in 2003.
For more information, visit FloridaClassic.org.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
Central Florida News
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.
GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.
In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.
Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.
Florida National News Photo
HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.
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.
