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Travel and Tourism

GMCVB Names Karla Grant, Geraldo Guillen To Leadership Team

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Credit: Shutterstock / GMCVB

MIAMI, Fla. ─ The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Miami-Dade County’s official destination marketing organization, has named Karla Grant director of human resources and Geraldo Guillen director of finance.

With more than a decade of management experience in a variety of industries, including hospitality, retail and tech, Grant is a seasoned human resources professional with an emphasis on automation, building and developing high-performing teams with a focus on creating positive and inclusive workplaces, reflecting the GMCVB’s core values. A graduate of Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Grant is also a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional and accredited in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University.

Guillen’s more than 15 years in financial management includes non-profits, government agencies and private industry organizations. His expertise in implementing major enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems, alongside a background in process automation, brings a new dimension to organizational financial operations. Guillen is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico UPR, with a bachelor’s in business administration and a concentration in finance. He earned his MBA from The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico.

“Karla and Geraldo bring invaluable expertise that continues to enhance the strengths of our management team,” said President & CEO of the GMCVB David Whitaker. “Their extensive experience and passion for their respective fields enhances our capabilities and reinforces our commitment to our employees and stakeholders.”

Business

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Base with Atlanta, Detroit Flights and Second Aircraft

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LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN)Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.

The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.

Avelo’s new service lineup includes:

  • Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  • Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.

Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.

Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.

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Food & Drinks

ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

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ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN)ICON Park is showing love to Florida residents this fall with an array of exclusive savings across its restaurants, bars, and attractions — and Florida National News is spotlighting this vibrant International Drive destination for our foodies and drink lovers. From family outings to date nights, Floridians can savor great food, fun, and entertainment for less — all in one place.

Exclusive Florida Resident Offers

Participating ICON Park venues are offering limited-time perks for residents who present valid Florida identification. From meal specials and drink discounts to attraction savings, the deals vary by location — with some running through November 2025 and others extending into early 2026.

Dining and Drink Highlights

  • Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Florida Resident Lunch Special: choose one of five dishes and a beverage for $15, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., through Nov. 30.

  • Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages with a valid Florida ID. Valid all day, every day.

  • I Café De Paris – Take 15% off all items through Dec. 31, 2025.

  • Juan Valdez Café – Mix and Match Combo: 16 oz latte or chai with marble cake or cheese bun for $8.45, through Dec. 31, 2025.

  • Ole Red Orlando – Florida residents receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages daily.

  • Uncle Julio’s Orlando – Get $5 off your meal with a $20+ purchase, valid daily through Feb. 2026.

  • The Winery and Tasting Room by Brewlando – Enjoy $5 Tosso Rosé and $5 pints (select choices) Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m., with valid Florida ID.

Attraction Savings

  • Museum of Illusions Orlando – Admission $17.99 per person, Monday–Thursday through Nov. 20, 2025.

  • The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando & SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Get $5 off admission for Florida Resident Tickets purchased online 24 hours in advance.

  • Orlando Slingshot – Receive $5 off ride admission through Nov. 20, 2025.

A Destination for Locals

“These offers are our way of saying thank you to the community that supports ICON Park year-round,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, CEO of ICON Park. “We’re proud to be a place where locals can relax, celebrate, and make memories — whether it’s grabbing a bite, catching live entertainment, or taking in the view from The Orlando Eye.”

ICON Park continues to be a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, offering free parking, free admission, and endless options for food, fun, and relaxation in a walkable setting.

For a full list of participating venues and offer details, visit:
ICONParkOrlando.com/deals-tag/florida-resident

_________________________________________________________________________________________

FNN Good News & Reviews | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Travel and Tourism

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville

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LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is soaring to new heights with the launch of its new nonstop route from Lakeland International Airport (LAL) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Starting today, travelers can enjoy direct flights to Music City twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. To celebrate the new route, one-way fares start at just $45, available for booking at AveloAir.com.

Convenient & Affordable Air Travel from Central Florida

Avelo Airlines has rapidly expanded its presence in Lakeland, flying nearly 60,000 customers on over 500 flights since its inaugural service. The addition of Nashville marks the airline’s seventh nonstop destination from LAL, joining:

  • Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
  • Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
  • New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
  • Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG)
  • Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
  • Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing an easy and convenient travel experience. “Our Lakeland base offers Central Floridians easy access to air travel, especially for customers who value the convenience of a small hometown airport. With today’s launch of service to Nashville and our six other nonstop destinations, travelers can enjoy more time and freedom to explore wherever their journey takes them.”

Lakeland Leaders Celebrate Expansion

City officials praised Avelo’s continued investment in Lakeland’s commercial air travel:

  • Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz: “We’re excited to see Avelo Airlines take off with such success! With strong community support, commercial air travel will continue growing at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and Avelo is leading the way with even more exciting destinations like Nashville.”
  • Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse: “Avelo is spreading its wings in Lakeland, and I, like many residents, am thrilled about this new route to Nashville. We look forward to seeing Avelo’s continued growth in our community.”
  • Lakeland International Airport Director Kris Hallstrand: “We are excited to welcome travelers from Nashville to Lakeland and Polk County, where they can experience all the wonderful attractions and opportunities our region has to offer.”

Boosting Central Florida Tourism & Economy

Avelo’s growing network is a major win for Central Florida’s tourism industry. Visit Central Florida Director of Marketing Mark Jackson highlighted the economic benefits:

  • Increased tourism brings more revenue to Polk County businesses
  • Nearly 42,000 jobs in Polk County were supported by tourism last year
  • For every 159 visitors, one job is created
  • Tourism savings: Each Polk County household benefits from nearly $1,000 in tax savings

“Thanks to Avelo Airlines, it is easier for travelers from around the country to experience Central Florida. We welcome Nashville to Polk County, where the real Florida magic happens,” Jackson added.

With affordable fares, convenient flight schedules, and easy access to major destinations, Avelo Airlines continues to reshape travel in Central Florida.

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J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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