ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, two leading organizations supporting Hispanic business and professional success across Central Florida, unveiled the finalists for the 2025 Don Quijote Awards, along with this year’s Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The announcement took place at the Center for Health and Wellbeing—space provided by the Winter Park Health Foundation—and featured remarks from Juan Amo, Chair of the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala and Senior Vice President, Marketing Executive at Bank of America.

Amo emphasized the enduring spirit behind the awards. “What I hope our community takes away from this year’s Don Quijote Awards is a renewed belief in the power of perseverance and purpose. The stories of our finalists and honorees show that success isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to lead, to serve, and to dream beyond limits,” he said.

The Don Quijote Awards honor individuals and businesses demonstrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the Hispanic business sector. Winners will be announced at the 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

2025 Gala Theme — “Legacy in Motion”

This year’s theme pays tribute to Hispanic American trailblazers whose leadership and vision helped shape opportunities across the United States.

“Every one of us carries a thread that was first placed by a mentor or someone who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” said Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion, reminds us that while a single strand can break under pressure, braided together we form a rope strong enough to pull the future forward.”

Prospera Central & Northeast Florida Regional Vice President Katia Medina added, “Leadership is not only about achievement—it’s also about the legacy we leave. We proudly celebrate those whose courage and determination have paved the way for others and continue to inspire new generations.”

2025 Finalists Announced

Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year Finalists

• Dr. Bling by Bling Aesthetics – Owners: Dr. Ariel Casillas & Javier Hernandez

• Graceful Paws Pet Clinic – Owner: Dr. Lynette Reyes

• Mia, Mia Brand – Owners: Juan Ceballos & Maria Tapias

Hispanic Enterprise of the Year Finalists

• Angel For Kids and Families – Owners: Elizabeth & John Valencia

• Taino’s Bakery – Owners: Nicolas Fuste & Liza Padilla

• Coffee For The Soul – Owner: Paola Bornacelli

Professional of the Year Finalists

• Dr. Andrea Guzman – Vice President for Access and Community Engagement, UCF

• Rafael Caamaño – Director, UCF Innovation Districts & Business Incubation Program

• Jeff Villanueva – CEO, AdventHealth Seminole Market

Excellence Award Finalists

• Ana L. Cruz – HOLA Coordinator, City of Orlando

• Dr. Valeria Baldivieso – Geriatric Medicine Medical Director, AdventHealth

• Carlos Torres – Chief Deputy, Orange County Sheriff’s Office

2025 Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Hispanic Community Champion Award

The 2025 honoree is Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
Evins has expanded Hispanic representation on the United Arts board to 20% and launched the Diverse Leadership Pipeline program, connecting multicultural leaders with nonprofit board opportunities. She has supported more than 100 organizations and artists through grants, residencies, and visibility initiatives such as DTO Live and Artistry Magazine. Her leadership continues to strengthen cultural access and representation across Central Florida.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Ramon Ojeda, Executive Director of the National Mango Board.
Ojeda, the first President of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader for economic inclusion—doubling membership, tripling revenue, and earning national honors including “Chamber of the Year.” His continued work supports small business growth and promotes innovation and healthy lifestyles nationwide.

The Don Quijote Awards are supported by Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Orlando Health, Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, AdventHealth, Travel + Leisure, Hard Rock, OUC The Reliable One, Florida Blue, JPMorgan Chase, JCQ Services, and other partners.

For more information, visit donquijoteawards.com.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After being silenced for three years and five months, YouTube has officially reinstated the Florida National News (FNN) YouTube channel, marking a major victory for press freedom and independent journalism.

Ban and Removal

In early 2022, YouTube permanently removed the Florida National News YouTube channel for alleged violations of its “misinformation” policy related to COVID-19 and the 2020 presidential election.

The flagged videos came from coverage of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, where speakers included former President Donald Trump, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The removal resulted in the loss of nearly 1,900 videos, deletion of 4,717 subscribers, and the erasure of years of journalistic coverage and digital visibility built since the channel’s launch in 2014.

“Outraged is a light emotion I have towards YouTube when this media outlet was permanently removed for simply reporting on a news event,” said J. Willie David III, president of Florida National News. “Our reporters were doing their jobs. What happened was censorship disguised as content moderation.”

– By Florida National News

– By Florida National News

– By Florida National News

By Florida National News

Appeal and Reinstatement

On September 25, 2025, Florida National News filed a formal appeal demanding reinstatement, arguing that the channel had been wrongly penalized for legitimate news reporting.

Shortly afterward, YouTube announced a new policy shift, following a U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committee investigation into whether major tech platforms, including Alphabet Inc. (YouTube’s parent company), had engaged in political censorship or government-influenced suppression of speech.

According to Business Insider, Alphabet confirmed that YouTube would allow previously banned creators to reapply for reinstatement, acknowledging that earlier enforcement efforts may have “overreached.”

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FNN’s reinstatement came as part of this broader change — a turning point in the ongoing debate over social media moderation and free expression.

Harm to the Outlet and Its Reporters

The multi-year ban caused significant harm to FNN’s operations, reporters, and credibility:

• Loss of nearly 1,900 videos, erasing years of coverage and community reporting.

• Elimination of 4,717 subscribers, severing vital connections with viewers and followers.

• Removal from monetization programs, which undermined FNN’s digital revenue and partnerships.

• Damage to journalist credibility, as reporters lost access to their published work and public profiles.

David said the ban not only punished his newsroom but also deprived the public of access to unbiased, fact-based journalism.

“This wasn’t just about FNN — it was about silencing independent news voices that didn’t fit a political mold,” he said.

US Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee

Policy Shift Under Scrutiny

The reinstatement follows growing political and legal scrutiny of Big Tech’s influence over information flow.

A House Judiciary Committee inquiry revealed communications between government officials and platforms regarding removal of certain online content. In a formal letter, Alphabet admitted such coordination was “unacceptable and wrong” and pledged to restore wrongfully removed accounts.

Observers note that YouTube’s new reinstatement process reflects a larger reckoning within the tech industry — one that balances misinformation prevention with the preservation of press freedom and diverse viewpoints.

Timeline of Events

What’s Next for Florida National News on YouTube

With its channel restored, FNN is launching a renewed digital strategy focused on transparency, engagement, and growth:

• Restoring the archive: Re-uploading essential videos and reintroducing popular news segments.

• Expanding reach: Leveraging social media platforms to reconnect with former subscribers.

• Monetization revival: Relaunching YouTube’s Partner Program to fund newsroom operations.

• Compliance and diversity: Ensuring editorial integrity while adapting to evolving platform policies.

“This reinstatement marks not just a return, but a renewal,” David said. “Florida National News is back — stronger, wiser, and more determined to deliver truth-driven journalism that serves the people.”

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#FloridaNationalNews #YouTubeReinstatement #MediaFreedom #TechCensorship #FreePress #YouTubePolicyChange #DigitalNews

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