Entertainment
Miss America 2025 Competition Set for January 5 at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidORLANDO, 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
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 8, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.
The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.
Opening Reception Scheduled June 11
An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
- Admission is free
- Advance registration is requested
Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity
Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.
“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”
The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.
Exhibit Information
The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 1, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
Published
1 month agoon
May 15, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.