Central Florida News
Jamie Merrill Named President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) has announced the appointment of its new President & CEO, Jamie Merrill.
Merrill is an expert in operations management. A resident of Lake County, Merrill has spent the last 16 years in positions of increasing responsibility in the senior living and health care industries, culminating in the position of Chief Operating Officer of Sonata Senior Living in Orlando. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Brookdale Senior Living, directing the operations for 72 senior living communities across Florida. Merrill serves on several local and national boards, including Florida Senior Living Association, The University of Central Florida Senior Living and Hospitality and Argentum Women in Leadership, and was awarded the 2022 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction. A graduate of Wayne State University, Merrill and her husband Blake are parents of two children.
“Jamie is a visionary leader with a heart for service and developing others,” said Lisa Mihelich, Chair of BGCCF. “She has the clear-eyed vision and experience-forged wisdom necessary to help build on the tremendous strengths of our organization, and our staff’s outstanding track record enriching the lives and prospects of underserved children.”
Brock Nicholas, a BGCCF board member and past chair who led the search committee, said, “Jamie’s management and communication skills will attract and retain top talent in a competitive environment. Her operational expertise will ensure delivery of enriching programming and growth to the children in our community. The search committee is enormously confident in the strength of leadership, and future of our organization, with Jamie’s appointment as CEO.”
As CEO, Merrill will lead Florida’s largest Boys & Girls Club organization. Currently, BGCCF operates 40 Club sites in 6 counties—Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard and Nassau. Last year, the organization served more than 11,000 children, offering them academic support, extracurricular enrichment and positive adult role models during the non-school hours. The Clubs are located in neighborhoods that rank, on average, at the 80th percentile for household poverty, nationally.
“My personal and professional life has always encompassed serving others, from youth to seniors,” says Merrill. “I am excited to join BGCCF and eager to serve beside such a dedicated team, who is focused on the critical mission of developing our future generations while reaching forward for new opportunities to broaden our impact.”
As CEO, Merrill will follow BGCCF’s longtime leader, Gary Cain, who served in the role for 29 years. Cain will remain with the organization in an emeritus role, focusing on special projects.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers to Induct Simeon Rice Into Ring of Honor During Week 13 Game vs. Cardinals
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will return to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 30 for a 1 p.m. ET matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, presented by GEICO. The Week 13 game will serve as the team’s Ring of Honor celebration, honoring former defensive end Simeon Rice as the 16th inductee during a halftime ceremony.
Simeon Rice to Be Inducted Into Ring of Honor
Rice, one of the most dominant defenders in Buccaneers history and a key member of the Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, will be honored throughout the game. He will lead the team through the pregame Hallway Walk, and former head coach Jon Gruden will present Rice with his Ring of Honor jacket during halftime. The ceremony will be hosted by Gene Deckerhoff and include members of the Glazer family, Rice family, and fellow Ring of Honor inductees.
The team will also release a Mitchell & Ness Simeon Rice throwback jersey, available at the Buccaneers Team Store.
My Cause My Cleats Spotlight
Nearly 60 Buccaneers players, coaches, and staff will participate in the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which highlights charitable causes selected by each participant. More than 40 organizations will be represented by customized footwear created in partnership with Stadium Custom Kicks. Now in its tenth year, the league-wide initiative features more than 1,800 participants over a two-week span.
Glazer Family Small Business Fund and Tampa Bay Chef Series
On Sunday, the Buccaneers will continue recognizing recipients of the Glazer Family Small Business Fund. This week’s spotlight features Brian Seymour, owner of the Anna Maria General Store, the only grocery and convenience store on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Following recent storm damage, Seymour and his team supported residents and local law enforcement with donated supplies. Funding from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund helped maintain payroll and inventory during recovery. The program has awarded more than $1.2 million across nearly 300 small businesses in partnership with eight regional chambers of commerce.
As part of the Tampa Bay Chef Series presented by Corona, Week 13 will feature Chef Suz Lara of LARA. Known for her bold, Latin-inspired cuisine, she will prepare a Picadillo Tartar—raw beef tartare mixed with sofrito, smoked olives, capers, and golden raisin mostarda, served on a Cuban bread crostini. The dish will be available in the Hyundai Club (Section 212), Stadium Club (Section 237), and main concourse (Section 108).
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Chamber President Jorge Figueroa Announces Bid for House District 47 Seat in Osceola County
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News was the first media outlet to learn—during an exclusive one-on-one interview—that La’Tonya Stark has been appointed Vice President of Engagement for the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), as confirmed by CEO Cliff Long.
In her new role, Stark will oversee all areas of marketing, communications, philanthropy, community outreach, events, and business development for the major real estate trade association. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, having served in key roles at major Florida brands including Disney Destinations, Wyndham Worldwide, and Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
Stark also has an extensive military background, serving more than 12 years as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Central Missouri and later completed her master’s degree in administration with a concentration in human resources at Central Michigan University, according to ORRA’s website.
Florida National News Managing Editor Monica Hoyos secured the impromptu exclusive interview with Stark during ORRA’s annual Veterans Day Celebration held at the organization’s World Headquarters in Orlando.
Stark Expresses Excitement About New Leadership Role
During the interview, Stark shared her enthusiasm about stepping into the Vice President of Engagement role, describing it as an opportunity to expand ORRA’s community impact and member engagement. She also highlighted her passion for leadership development and elevating the real estate industry through strong communications and outreach.
A Veteran’s Story: Service, Leadership, and Style
Stark discussed her career in the U.S. Navy, where she refined her public affairs and leadership expertise. She also noted her love for professional fashion, often being recognized as a trendsetter within the industry.
Florida National News captured WWII veteran Sallie Amato’s speech at ORRA’s Annual Veterans Luncheon, where the organization also wished her a happy 102nd birthday. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News.
ORRA’s Growing Support for Military Members
Stark also spoke about ORRA’s commitment to veterans, including the launch of its annual Veterans Day Celebration and the importance of doing business with ORRA. She encouraged veterans and military-connected professionals to join ORRA’s Military Council, which plays a key role in community service and advocacy.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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