Business
Florida National News Named Media Partner for 24th Don Quijote Awards Gala
Published
4 years agoon

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards Gala, presented by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera announced Tuesday this year’s event sponsors and media partners during an in-person press conference held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, AdventHealth, Bank of America, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Blue, Orlando Health, PNC Bank, VyStar Credit Union, Duke Energy, Fairwinds, Heart of Florida United Way, JP Morgan Chase, Kidsville Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando Magic, T&G Constructors, Travel & Leisure, Valencia College, Addition Financial, The Trentham Santiago Group, University of Central Florida, Visit Orlando, Orlando International Airport, iHeart Media, Univision Orlando, Telemundo 31, La Prensa Newspaper, Florida National News among many more.
As a result, Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide exclusive content in English and Spanish of the 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards Gala on FloridaNationalNews.com and FNNNews.com websites and across its social media channels.
“We are proud to be an official media partner for the 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards,” said J. Willie David, III, Founder of Florida National News and FNN News Network. “We look forward to providing pre- and post-event coverage of the event on FloridaNationalNews.com and FNNNews.com websites as well as a live simulcast on our social media channels.”

Mellissa Thomas interviews Don Quijote Hispanic Community Hero Award recipient Clint Bullock, OUC CEO and General Manager, during the Don Quijote Awards finalists press announcement at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando Tuesday, November 16, 2021. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.
“The Don Quijote Awards is the biggest event of its kind in Central Florida, and we’ve consistently covered and promoted it for six of our seven years in business,” said Mellissa Thomas, Editor and Managing Director of Florida National News and FNN News Network. “This will be our third year being a media partner for this prestigious event, which gets better every single year.”
“Our team is excited to bring quality coverage of this year’s Don Quijote Awards for our Spanish-speaking audience as well as our English audience,” Juan Carlo Rodriguez, Content Coordinator for FNN News en Español, expressed. “We’re ready to showcase the best and most tenacious in Central Florida’s Hispanic business community.”
The Don Quijote Awards recognize businesses and individuals committed to excellence and to the development of Central Florida’s Hispanic community. The winner of each category will be announced at the 24th Don Quijote Awards Celebration on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion. This black-tie award celebration will be from 6:00pm to midnight.
For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
Business
FNN News Network to Launch New Streaming Platform, Apps, and Podcast Lineup in September 2025
Published
9 hours agoon
July 11, 2025
ORLANDO, FL (FNN) — FNN News Network, along with its flagship outlet Florida National News, proudly announces the next phase of its digital transformation — officially launching in September 2025. Broadcasting from its Orlando headquarters, FNN will unveil a redesigned website, a fully upgraded podcast and show streaming platform, and new mobile apps, delivering a faster, more immersive experience for its growing national and international audience.
EXPANDED PODCAST AND SHOW LINEUP
As part of the digital relaunch, FNN News Network is debuting a diverse new lineup of podcasts and shows, covering news, politics, business, sports, culture, and entertainment. The network is also creating opportunities for new content creators to submit their own podcasts and shows for possible inclusion on the FNN News Network Podcasts & Shows App, launching this fall.
Featured Podcast & Show Lineup:
Puerto Rican Heritage Network Podcast
— Celebrating culture, history, and the voices shaping Puerto Rican communities.FNN Sports Zone Podcast
— Where Florida sports, breaking scores, and national sports headlines meet.FNN News en Español Podcast Show
— Noticias, cultura y comunidad — en tu idioma, en todas partes.FNN Politics & Power Show
— Unpacking politics, policies, and the people behind the headlines.FNN Business Network Show
— Your guide to business trends, market insights, and entrepreneurial success.FNN News Sunday Show
— The week’s essential news, commentary, and conversations.FNN Money & Finance Podcast
— Smart money moves, financial news, and wealth-building strategies.FNN Real Estate Podcast
— Covering property trends, market shifts, and real estate insights from coast to coast.FNN Tourism & Travel Podcast
— Discover destinations, travel trends, and tourism stories worth the trip.FNN Good News & Reviews Show
— Spotlighting positive stories, community champions, and product reviews you can trust.
Each program will be available on the enhanced FNNNewsNetwork.com, through official FNN mobile apps, and across major social platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
MEDIA ALLY FUND LAUNCHES TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT NEWSROOMS
A key part of this digital expansion is the launch of the MEDIA ALLY FUND, powered by FNN News Network and Florida National News. This dedicated funding hub is designed to support multi-affiliate, nonpartisan, nonprofit, and independent newsroom members within the FNN network.
The MEDIA ALLY FUND will help sustain diverse, local, and independent journalism by providing resources, grants, and partnership opportunities to affiliated outlets and emerging content creators nationwide. This initiative underscores FNN News Network’s ongoing commitment to strengthen independent media voices and promote credible, community-focused reporting across the country.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FNN NEWS NETWORK AND FLORIDA NATIONAL NEWS
The September 2025 relaunch is just the beginning. FNN News Network plans to expand its on-air coverage with live-streamed news specials, breaking event coverage, and real-time updates from political, sports, and entertainment events across Florida and nationwide.
New interactive features through FNN’s mobile apps will allow users to customize news feeds, watch on-demand shows, and engage directly with reporters and hosts.
An open call for creators and podcast hosts will launch in August 2025, offering opportunities for fresh voices and local talents to join FNN’s growing national platform.
FNN News Network remains committed to delivering trusted, community-centered, and diverse programming that informs, uplifts, and connects audiences from Florida to New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and beyond.
Business
ALDI Celebrates New Melbourne Store Grand Opening July 10, 2025
Published
4 days agoon
July 7, 2025By
Willie David
MELBOURNE, Fla. (FNN) — America’s fastest-growing grocer, ALDI, continues its Florida expansion with the grand opening of its newly converted store in Melbourne at 961 E Eau Gallie Blvd. The store officially opens its doors on Thursday, July 10 at 8:45 a.m. and will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Grand Opening Celebrations and Giveaways
To mark the store’s debut, ALDI will treat the first 100 customers to an exclusive gift bag filled with ALDI-exclusive products and a chance to win through the ALDI Golden Ticket giveaway program. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes for a $500 ALDI gift card throughout the opening weekend.
“At our new Melbourne ALDI store, shoppers will find that every decision we make — from our product selection to store layout — is designed to provide the best products at the lowest possible prices of any national grocer,” said Matt Thon, Regional Vice President for ALDI. “Our customers can save up to 36% on their household grocery bills. As families seek better ways to stretch their dollar, ALDI is providing easier access to affordable, high-quality groceries right here in Melbourne.”
The ALDI Difference: Low Prices, Quality Products, and Sustainability
The new store highlights ALDI’s commitment to affordability and customer satisfaction, featuring:
Low-price leadership: Customers can save nearly $4,000 annually by choosing ALDI-exclusive products over name brands.
Exclusive brands: 90% of ALDI’s inventory are its own award-winning exclusive labels, from organic meats and fresh produce to sustainable seafood and specialty cheeses.
Sustainability efforts: ALDI remains an industry leader in eco-friendly retail, having eliminated single-use plastic bags in U.S. stores and actively reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Shoppers will also discover weekly ALDI Finds, limited-time seasonal food, home goods, and specialty items.
Online Shopping and Award-Winning Employment
Nearly all ALDI locations, including the new Melbourne store, offer curbside pickup and grocery delivery through shop.aldi.us. Additionally, ALDI’s reputation as a top U.S. employer remains strong, recently earning recognition as one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes for the seventh time in eight years.
For career opportunities at ALDI, visit careers.aldi.us.
For more Central Florida business and community news, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.
Business
Celebrate Independence Day with Action-Packed Freedom Run at Decision Tactical Sanford
Published
1 week agoon
July 3, 2025By
Willie David
SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Get ready to trade fireworks for firepower this Independence Day weekend at Decision Tactical in Sanford, Florida. Florida National News has learned that the popular tactical entertainment venue is hosting a thrilling Stars & Stripes Freedom Run Challenge on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 — giving participants a bold new way to celebrate freedom, fun, and fierce competition.
Three Back-to-Back Challenges in One Event
For just $50, competitors can take on all three of Decision Tactical’s top courses in one adrenaline-pumping experience:
The Competition Course
The Range Challenge
The Mall Competition Course
Designed to test skill, speed, accuracy, and tactical instincts, the Freedom Run offers guests a chance to push their limits while celebrating the red, white, and blue.
Relax and Recharge at the Bar & Grill
After completing the challenges, participants can wind down at Decision Tactical’s onsite Bar & Grill, featuring limited-time food and drink specials available exclusively during the holiday weekend (additional fees apply). It’s the perfect way to cool off, refuel, and celebrate a day well spent.
Reservations Required
Reservations are required for the Freedom Run and can be booked in advance through the official event page at decisiontactical.com/events/stars-strips-competition.
The event will be held at:
Decision Tactical
430 Towne Center Cir.
Sanford, FL 32771
For more information, visit the event link above.r
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