South Florida News
Miami HEAT, Carnival Foundation Award 15 Florida Prepaid Scholarships to Miami-Dade Students at Kaseya Center
Published
4 months agoon
By
Willie DavidMIAMI, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat and the Carnival Foundation will recognize 15 Miami-Dade County students as recipients of the 2026 Carnival Scholarship Program during a special halftime ceremony Saturday at the Kaseya Center.
Now in its 24th consecutive year, the scholarship partnership between the HEAT and the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation provides four-year Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships to graduating seniors from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Scholarship Program Impact
Through the collaboration, 15 students will receive four-year Florida College Plan scholarships, helping cover tuition costs at Florida public colleges and universities.
The scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of students, including former participants in the HEAT Academy after-school enrichment program, which supports at-risk youth. Many of the students now participate in an innovative workplace mentoring initiative sponsored by Carnival and the Miami HEAT in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.
Each student will also receive a personal laptop computer, courtesy of the Carnival Foundation.
This year marks the 17th year the foundation has awarded fully prepaid college scholarships to high school seniors. Since the program began, 261 students have benefited, representing more than $5 million in scholarship awards.
Selection Process
Students were selected based on a combination of academic performance, leadership, community involvement and interviews conducted by representatives from the Miami HEAT, the Carnival Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.
The scholarship program is designed to expand educational opportunities while connecting students with mentors and professional development resources that prepare them for future careers.
Event Details
The scholarship recognition will take place Saturday, March 14, during a Miami HEAT home game at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.
A reception will begin at 7 p.m. in Suite 240 A/B, followed by the on-court scholarship presentation during halftime, where the 15 student recipients will be recognized before fans.
Scheduled participants include:
Alonzo Mourning, Vice President of Player Programs, Miami HEAT
Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Miami HEAT
John Vidalin, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Corporate Sales, Miami HEAT
Josh Weinstein, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation
Linda Coll, Executive Director, Carnival Foundation
Vicky Rey, Vice President of Government Affairs, Latin America, Carnival Cruise Line
Gale Nelson, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
Location:
Kaseya Center
601 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
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Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
Published
1 day agoon
July 6, 2026BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.
Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.
“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”
Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.
Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.
According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.
Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.
Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.
South Florida News
Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE
While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Published
1 month agoon
May 31, 2026MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.
Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.
“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.
13 Years in the Florida Legislature
Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.
His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.
Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid
Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.
The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.
Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.
“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”
Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention
Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.
Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
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