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.
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.
