Entertainment
Miss America 2025 Competition Set for January 5 at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando
Published
11 months agoon
By
Willie David 
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Miss America Organization has officially announced the 2025 Miss America Competition, which will take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. This year’s highly anticipated event will be hosted at the prestigious Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts located at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Sisterhood This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Miss America Competition, one of the nation’s most enduring and celebrated platforms for empowering young women through scholarship, service, and sisterhood. It remains a beacon of opportunity, allowing contestants to advocate for social causes, showcase their talents, and strive for educational scholarships.
Notably, the 2025 competition will see the much-anticipated return of Miss Puerto Rico to the Miss America stage after nearly a decade-long absence. This inclusion underscores the organization’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering cultural representation.
What to Expect at the 2025 Competition The Miss America 2025 event will be a night of inspiration, entertainment, and empowerment. Attendees and media can look forward to:
- Dynamic Performances: Contestants will showcase their unique talents, ranging from singing and dancing to more unique, specialized skills.
- Inspiring Advocacy Presentations: Each contestant will present her advocacy platform, highlighting issues of social significance that she aims to champion.
- VIP Appearances and Celebrity Hosts: While the celebrity hosts have yet to be announced, the competition will feature special appearances from former Miss Americas and VIP judges. Additionally, there will be a special tribute to the 50th Anniversary Miss America, Shirley Cothran Barret.
A Platform for Change The Miss America Competition goes beyond beauty and talent, emphasizing the values of leadership, education, and social impact. Contestants are expected to not only demonstrate their abilities but also share their personal stories and social causes that have driven them to pursue the title of Miss America.
Why the Press Should Attend The Miss America 2025 Competition offers unique opportunities for media representatives, including:
- Exclusive Coverage: Capture key moments during contestant performances and interviews with judges, past winners, and organization representatives.
- Live Access to a Historic Event: Witness the return of Miss Puerto Rico to the Miss America stage and be part of the celebration of the organization’s 104th anniversary.
- Interviews and Storytelling: Create compelling narratives about the impact of the competition and the inspirational journeys of contestants from across the nation.
How the Miss America Program Impacts Communities The Miss America Organization’s scholarship program has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless young women. By offering opportunities for personal and professional development, Miss America has become a pivotal experience for women aiming to lead in their communities and careers. Contestants’ advocacy work continues to influence social change on local, state, and national levels.
Event Details Recap
- When: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Walt Disney Theater, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801
- Who: Contestants, VIP judges, former Miss Americas, celebrity hosts (to be announced), and media
Support Florida National News
J Willie David, III
 Florida National News
 News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Entertainment
Florida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!
Published
1 day agoon
October 30, 2025By
Monica Hoyos
Florida National News Podcast en Español — Tuesdays at 6:30 PM EST!
Join Co-Hosts Monica Hoyos and Javier Garcia, along with Special Guest Host Maria del Carmen Rodriguez and the production team, for a show filled with fun, excitement, and powerful conversations that inform, inspire, and empower Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida and beyond.
Únete a las Coanfitrionas Monica Hoyos y Javier Garcia, junto a la Anfitriona Invitada Especial Maria del Carmen Rodriguez y el equipo de producción, en un programa lleno de diversión, emoción y conversaciones poderosas que informan, inspiran y empoderan a las comunidades hispanas y latinas en Florida y más allá.
Sintoniza cada semana en los canales de FNN News en Español, Florida National News y FNN News TV en Facebook y en las plataformas de redes sociales para disfrutar de historias que celebran las voces, el liderazgo y la cultura latina.
Entertainment
OIFW Fall 2025 Brings Fashion, Art, and Entertainment to Downtown Orlando with Exclusive Rooftop and Runway Events
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 20, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has officially announced its Fall 2025 event lineup, promising an extraordinary week of fashion, art, and entertainment across Downtown Orlando. Known for merging creativity, culture, and community, OIFW will showcase local and international designers, celebrity hosts, and captivating live performances at some of Orlando’s most iconic venues.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – Opening Night at CityArts
Location: CityArts, Downtown Orlando
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Sponsor: Downtown Arts District
Event Host:
- Chad Pitt – Radio Personality, “Chad and Leslye in the Morning Show,” Magic 107.7 
Fashion Designers:
- Tenique Designs 
- Ellie Paisley Art 
- Avor + Pazniak 
Entertainment:
- K.She’ – Singer/Songwriter 
- London Simone – Contortionist 
OIFW kicks off opening night at CityArts, bringing together the best of Orlando’s visual and fashion arts scene in a creative fusion of color, texture, and performance.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Rooftop Fashion Experience
Location: Altira Rooftop Pool + Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event Host:
- Christina Carmona – Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker 
Fashion Designers:
- Betta Novais Designs 
- Sim Allure 
Event Highlights:
Guests will enjoy a luxurious rooftop day party and fashion showcase, complete with live music, curated runway presentations, and the city’s trendsetters mingling under Orlando’s skyline. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 – Family and Finale Fashion Events
Location: Eola View, Downtown Orlando
Times: 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3:00 PM Event Host:
- Mimi Mala – Radio Personality, Model, and Host 
Fashion Designers:
- My Little Matilda 
- Dillard’s Children 
- Davenport Fashion Lab 
- Dillard’s Youth 
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
- Pao Pati | Mayra Uribe | Azela Santana | Julia Goolia | Kairy Lopez 
Entertainment:
- Alyssa Herrera – Singer/Songwriter 
- Moova Dance – Dance Studio Performance 
6:00 PM Event Host:
- Sierra Rainge – Media Powerhouse and Brand Strategist 
Fashion Designers:
- Roszuar | Culture Trees | Artelio | Constella Designs | Dillard’s | Jezra | BAmoryProductions | Sim Allure 
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
- Bethany Worley | Mimi Mala | Azela Santana | Daniela Droz | Anntwan Fredrick 
Entertainment:
- Zaycuatro – Singer/Songwriter 
- Scott Barnhill – Singer/Songwriter 
These closing events at Eola View highlight both family-oriented fashion and Orlando’s rising stars in music, art, and design, offering a grand finale to an unforgettable fashion week.
_________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
 
Entertainment
Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Tribute to James H. Pugh’s Legacy at Dr. Phillips Center
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 12, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a stunning new bronze relief sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr., the visionary leader whose commitment and leadership helped turn the dream of a world-class performing arts center into reality. The piece, created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, was revealed during a heartfelt ceremony attended by community leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, both of whom shared remarks celebrating Pugh’s remarkable contributions.
A Visionary Who Shaped Orlando’s Cultural Landscape
From 2003 to 2022, James H. Pugh, Jr. served nearly two decades as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, guiding the project from concept to completion. His leadership, expertise, and steadfast vision were instrumental in creating one of Orlando’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Alongside his wife, Alexis Pugh, he became the first donor to the project, helping establish the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a beloved venue that has hosted thousands of regional artists and performances. Under his direction, the Center also opened the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the acoustically acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, which Architectural Digest named one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.
A Masterpiece by Renowned Artist Paul Day
Commissioned by longtime friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the bronze relief sculpture was crafted by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, whose works include The Meeting Place at St. Pancras Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College.
This new artwork captures the essence of Pugh’s leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the arts, symbolizing the collective effort that brought the Dr. Phillips Center to life. “Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey. This sculpture ensures he will always remain part of our story.”
A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations
During the unveiling, Ed Timberlake, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Pugh’s contributions: “Today, we celebrated three powerful forces—transformative vision, unwavering perseverance, and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream. Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”
Ticketed guests can now view the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby. The installation was made possible through generous support from Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional contributions from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.
____________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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