Central Florida News
Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Organizers Announces The 2024 Theme “Civic Engagement and Responsibilities”
Published
2 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. ( FNN) – On Tuesday, Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival organizers held a press conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at SeaWorld to provide details about the 2024 parade and festival, and related events across Orlando.
The Parade
The annual parade will kick off April 27th at 11:00 am, at Rosalind Avenue and Robinson Street, ending at Orange Avenue and Amelia Street, Downtown Orlando.
Organizers are hoping the appointment of Dr. Arcilio Alvaradoa as Ambassador of Latin America communities can also help increase attendance from last year’s 25,000 attendees to 50,000 this year.
Florida Puerto Rican Parade Chairman Ralph Morales (center) parade Grand Marshal Betsy Franceschini (left) and parade Godfather Marcos Vilar (right) spoke spoke about the parade’s preparations during the press conference. Photo by Florida National News
Ralph Morales, Chairman of the Florida Puerto Rican Parade announced the names of key individuals who will have a major role in the parade this year.
- Grand Marshal
Betsy Franceschini is the former Florida Director, Hispanic Federation, former Florida Regional Director, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, former District Deputy Director, former US Congressman Alan Grayson, and Central Florida Hispanic Outreach Director, Florida Democratic Party. - Parade Godfather
Marcos Vilar is the chairman of United for Progress PAC, Principal of Vilar Strategy Group, LLC, President of Alianza for Progress and Alianza Center, former National Field Director of Mi Familia Vota, and former Political Director of SEIU. - Parade Godmother
Angélica Torres Figueroa is a social media influencer. She’s better known as Candy Lover who garnered over 5.4 million Facebook followers.
Morales also announce that the 2024 Parade will be dedicated to the municipality of Juncos, Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Rican Parade and Festival are the signature events of the FLPRP organization and provide our residents with an opportunity to highlight the rich Puerto Rican community culture, heritage, and contributions to the state of Florida, according to a news release issued by the Organizers.
This year’s festivity’s theme is “Civic Engagement and Responsibilities,” which encourages our community to get involved in local and national elections, give back to the community through volunteerism in nonprofit organizations, participate in government politics, and hold leadership positions in government, the news release stated.
The Festival
Morales also announce the artists who will participate in the festival are Hip hop El Jibarito, Victoria Sanabria, Nino Segarra and “Yomo”.
For more information about the 2024 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival, please visit floridapuertoricanparade.org
Stay connected with Florida National News and FNN NEWS en Español as we cover the 2024 Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.
Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.
Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.
Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.