Business

Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield meets with Mayor of Orlando, a Hotel Mogul, and College Officials

Published

11 years ago

July 29, 2015

ORLANDO, FL (FNN News) – In the framework of strengthening relations between Grenada’s new Consulate General in Miami and elected Mayors in the state of Florida, Ambassador-at-Large and Consul General Warren Newfield recently met with the Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando and his staff Reginald McGill, Constituent Services Director, and Kim C. King, Business Development Assistant Manager of the Office of the Mayor. The Honorable Daisy Morales, Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, and Ms. Margaret Lessey, Diaspora Liaison attached to the Consulate General of Grenada in Miami, were also present for the meeting with Orlando officials at City Hall on July 17, 2015. (see photo below)

The Honorable Daisy Morales, Florida Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando, Margaret Lessey, Diaspora Liaison with the Consulate General of Grenada in Miami, and His Excellency Warren Newfield, Ambassador-at-Large and Consul General of Grenada in Miami

Orlando Tourist Attractions and Events Drew 62 million Visitors

Orlando is also known as “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and in 2014 its tourist attractions and events drew more than 62 million visitors. Orlando had a city-proper population of near 250,000, making it the fourth largest city in Florida, and the state’s largest inland city. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the thirteenth busiest airport in the United States and the 29th busiest in the world.

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area’s GDP was $110.4 billion in 2013

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the metro Orlando economy in 2013 ranked No. 31 out of 381 metro areas in terms of the value of its goods and services produced. In addition, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan statistical area’s gross domestic product was $110.4 billion in 2013, up from $106.3 billion in 2012 and $101.6 billion in 2011.

Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield visits Orlando City Hall

Mayor Dyer extended his warm welcome on the Grenada Consul General on his first official meeting with the Mayor’s office. Consul General Newfield expressed his appreciation to Mayor Dyer and the city government for their efforts in promoting the development of friendly relationship between Grenada and Orlando. Newfield said that he looks forward to join hands with the city to further promote the mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in the aspects of investment, education, tourism, and culture, so as to benefit more people both in Grenada and in Orlando.

His Excellency Warren Newfield Ambassador at Large and Consul General of Grenada presented Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer with a book on the Visions of Grenada and invited the Mayor to visit the Caribbean island nation. Photo by J. Willie David, III, Florida National News

Grenada’s tourism industry can benefit by deepening its relations with Orlando City Government, Newfield stated. Consul General Newfield told the Florida National News that he personally extended an open invitation to Mayor Dyer to visit Grenada at his convenience, and presented to the Mayor a book Visions of Grenada, a visual representation of the stunningly beautiful islands of Grenada, Carriacou, & Petite Martinique.

Consul General Newfield Discusses Agriculture with State Official

The Honorable Daisy Morales is an elected official with the State of Florida Orange Soil & Water Conservation District, which covers 13 cities and towns within its jurisdiction, including Orlando. Supervisor Morales called the meeting with Consul General Newfield a new beginning to start a discussion between her office and Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries. Discussion of Food and Agricultural products is an idea for a future trade mission to Grenada, Morales stated.

Hotel Mogul Passionate About Education Donates Scholarships

While in Orlando, Consul General Newfield also met with Mr. Harris Rosen, a hotel mogul of Rosen Hotels and Resorts, the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Orlando, and several educational officials with the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida (UCF).

The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, is the nation’s second-largest university. Located in Orlando, UCF and its 12 colleges provide opportunities to 60,810 students, offering 175 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and 31 doctoral programs. Students come from all 50 states and 152 countries.

Grenada's Consul General Warren Newfield meet with College Officials at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando

Grenada’s Consul General Warren Newfield meets with College Officials at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando

According to the Rosen College webpage, the college is the best place to study Hospitality Management. With a record-setting 59 million visitors in 2013, Orlando, Florida has officially become the most visited destination in the United States, and it is all thanks to its world-renowned hospitality and tourism industry. Located just minutes from some of the world’s top-rated attractions, resorts, restaurants, and convention spaces, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida provides students with an unrivaled opportunity to learn and work in the industry’s leading market. Situated in the heart of hospitality, Rosen College also looks like it belongs in a world-class destination.The159,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, Mediterranean resort-style campus is the largest facility ever built for hospitality management education.

Securing educational opportunities for Grenadians is a top priority, said Consul General Newfield. “I have secured several scholarships from The Rosen College that will help deserving students seeking a lasting career in Grenada’s hospitality and tourism industry”, Newfield added.

Miami and Orlando are among the Florida cities the Consulate General of Grenada will increase its consular services, especially with trade, tourism, education, investment, agricultural diplomacy.

Business

New AdventHealth Middleton Clinic Brings Pediatric Specialists, Urogynecology Near The Villages

Published

3 days ago

October 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

The multispecialty clinic features 24 treatment rooms, pediatric imaging and services designed to bring care closer to Middleton families.

MIDDLETON, Fla. (FNN) — Families in Middleton have a new option for pediatric and women’s specialty care with the opening of the AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic, according to an Oct. 29 news release from AdventHealth.

Located at 2274 Alder Ave., the clinic brings together pediatric primary care, pediatric cardiology, pediatric orthopedics and women’s urogynecology services. The facility includes 24 treatment rooms, a pediatric X-ray room and spaces for children’s heart screenings.

Bringing care closer to families

Middleton, a master-planned community along Central Parkway, is home to approximately 1,200 families and households, many with residents who work in and around The Villages, according to the release.

For Jenny Trew, whose family was the first to move to Middleton, the new clinic could mean fewer long trips for routine appointments. She has been driving nearly an hour to Clermont for pediatric care for her 13-year-old twin sons, Jasen and Jackson.

“Going to the pediatrician usually means pulling both boys out of school, taking time away from work and making a day out of something that should be pretty simple,” Trew said in the release.

Having a pediatrician in the neighborhood will make it easier to balance health care appointments with work, school, sports and other activities, she said.

Dr. Vanessa Carroll, chief medical officer of AdventHealth for Children, said proximity matters when families are seeking care for a sick or injured child.

“Parents don’t want to take their child to just any doctor. They want someone they can trust, right around the corner,” Carroll said in the release. “Because when your child is sick or injured, an hour-long drive can feel even farther.”

Expanding women’s specialty services

The clinic also provides urogynecology services, including care for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor conditions.

The location gives women a nearby option for specialized treatment aimed at improving comfort, health and quality of life, according to AdventHealth.

“Women spend so much of their lives caring for others, and it can become very easy to put their own health last,” Kristen Toth, vice president of AdventHealth for Women, said in the release. “We want women to know there is care here for them, too.”

The clinic brings AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women together at one location to serve families through different stages of life.

Supporting students and schools

Middleton’s early childhood centers, two K-8 schools and high school collectively enroll more than 3,000 students, according to the release.

LeAnne Yerk, principal of The Villages Charter Elementary School, said access to nearby pediatric care supports students’ health and readiness to learn.

“As educators, we see firsthand that a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive in the classroom is deeply connected to their health and well-being,” Yerk said in the release.

She described the clinic’s proximity to schools as an important resource for students and families, helping connect health care with educational support.

Location and appointments

The AdventHealth Middleton Multispecialty Clinic is located at 2274 Alder Ave., Middleton, Florida.

To schedule an appointment, call:

Pediatric primary care: 352-467-7862
Pediatric cardiology: 352-353-2788
Pediatric orthopedics: 407-303-5687
Women’s urogynecology: 407-303-1380

For online appointment information, visit MyMiddletonPediatrics.com for children’s services or MiddletonUrogyn.com for women’s services.

Business

GOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Gate Link train on an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with palm trees, airport buildings and a control tower behind it.

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal upgrades, parking projects and international connections mark the authority’s fiscal year review.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority highlighted terminal improvements, expanded international connections and parking projects during its fiscal 2026 review, while its board adopted changes to a local business program and announced a new statewide small business initiative.

The updates affect Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, which GOAA operates.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said in the authority’s announcement.
“As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

A Gate Link train travels along an elevated guideway at Orlando International Airport, with the airport’s control tower in the background. Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Terminal Improvements Focus on Connections and Families

Among the completed projects was an enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways connecting Orlando International Airport’s train station and Terminal C.

Terminal C also opened a new wing serving gates 250–254, providing additional capacity and becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic’s airport operations.

Three new Family Zones — one in each terminal — offer spaces for children and families to play, read and recharge. GOAA also highlighted improvements to directional signs along airport roads, in parking areas and throughout the terminals.

Parking Expansion and $40 Million Improvement Program

GOAA reported progress on a parking guidance system at Terminal C, with phased activation across all garages planned through mid-2027.

Dedicated employee parking areas are intended to free additional spaces for travelers. Planning is also underway for two new garages expected to add 8,000 public parking spaces over the next few years.

Separately, the authority’s $40 million Beautiful Airports Program targets safety, functionality and appearance across garages, terminals and other airport areas.

Aviation Investments and International Service

The fiscal year review highlighted a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Signature Aviation at Orlando International Airport and groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at Orlando Executive Airport.

International service developments included ZIPAIR’s nonstop passenger charter flights between Orlando and Tokyo and Iberia’s launch of nonstop service to Madrid.

GOAA described ZIPAIR’s service as the first passenger charter connection between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region.

Business Policy Changes Broaden Eligibility

The board adopted revisions to GOAA’s Local Developing Business program following research, town halls and discussions with internal experts.

The changes increase the allowable personal net worth threshold and clarify how assets are excluded from that calculation, including primary residence equity, business equity, retirement assets and certain nonliquid holdings.

Business size standards were also revised to account for inflation and increased operating costs. The announcement did not specify the updated financial thresholds.

A new Small Business program will complement the local program and extend eligibility to qualifying businesses throughout Florida. Under the announced framework, participating businesses must fall within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration size standard.

GOAA said detailed guidelines for both programs would be posted on its website. Those guidelines will provide businesses with the information needed to assess eligibility.

Business

Florida Restaurant Show 2026: Orlando Event Features Chef Competitions, Pizza Innovation and Restaurant Solutions

Published

3 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

FNN NEWS

The combined events celebrate their 55th and fifth anniversaries Oct. 25–27 at the Orange County Convention Center, featuring education, culinary competitions and a $5,000 attendee giveaway.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are marking milestone anniversaries at the Orange County Convention Center, bringing restaurant, pizza and foodservice professionals together Oct. 25–27 for product demonstrations, education, culinary competitions and networking.

The Florida Restaurant Show is celebrating its 55th anniversary, while the Pizza Tomorrow Summit marks its fifth. One registration provides access to both events.

Organizer Restaurant Events announced a total of $5,000 in attendee giveaways during the three-day gathering. Attendees can pick up a ticket at registration for a chance to win.

Education Addresses Food Costs, Staffing and AI

More than 40 hours of education cover profitability, food costs, operations, marketing, artificial intelligence, staffing, leadership and customer engagement.

Featured programs include Restaurant Management 201 and 301, presented by Darren Denington, founder and operator of Service with Style, and Alison Anne, leader of Restaurant Revolution.

A new program, “The Wizard Behind the Curtain,” presented by Maverick Theory founder Michael Tipps, examines how owners and entrepreneurs develop restaurant concepts and turn ideas into businesses.

A Team Bundle Package offers savings and flexible attendance options for groups of six from the same organization, allowing employees to explore sessions relevant to their roles.

Culinary Competitions Spotlight Professional Chefs

The Sunshine Plate Challenge Arena features more than 30 professional chefs across four American Culinary Federation-sanctioned competitions, organizers said.

The announced schedule includes:

Sunday, Oct. 25: Student and professional pastry sculpture competitions and the Professional Pork Challenge.
Monday, Oct. 26: The Professional Seafood Challenge, sponsored by Bar Harbor Seafood.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: The Professional Beef Challenge.

The arena’s Sunday programming also includes the Hospitality School Showdown, featuring culinary faculty and alumni representing four Florida hospitality programs.

Unox sponsors the arena, with product support from Gordon Food Service, Bar Harbor Seafood, Expedition Provisions, Yukan Foods, Pizzacini and Keg Kraft Beverage Company.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit Highlights Industry Innovation

The Pizza Tomorrow Summit features education, demonstrations and competitions focused on the pizza industry.

Its announced Monday programming includes a live taping of the “So You Want to Run a Restaurant” podcast with California Pizza Kitchen co-founder Rick Rosenfield. The session, sponsored by Back of House, includes a discussion and giveaway of his book, “The California Pizza Kitchen Story.”

The U.S. Pizza Team and Galbani Professionale U.S. are also hosting the 2026 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. Pizza makers and pizza acrobats compete in culinary and acrobatic events, with grand-prize winners earning a trip to compete at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy.

One Registration Connects Two Industries

By holding the events together, organizers give restaurant operators access to ideas emerging from the pizza industry while connecting pizzeria operators with equipment, technology and education relevant to the broader foodservice market.

The Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit conclude Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Orange County Convention Center.