Central Florida News
“Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones Leads 41st MLK Holiday Parade as Grand Marshal”
Published
3 weeks agoon
By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Downtown Orlando came alive with vibrant energy as the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The parade began at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse and made its way through the city streets, concluding at the picturesque Lake Eola Park.
This year’s parade theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” served as a rallying cry for unity and action. The theme inspired participants and spectators alike to honor Dr. King’s mission by promoting love, nonviolence, and equality throughout their daily lives.

Parade Participants marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal was Orlando native Omari Jones, a Bronze Medal-winning boxer. Jones is one of eight members of Team USA Boxing preparing to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His presence underscored the importance of perseverance and the power of achieving dreams against all odds.

US Congressman Darren Soto celebrates 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
The parade featured a dazzling display of colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. Families and attendees of all ages lined the streets to cheer, wave, and take in the festive atmosphere. The event was a true testament to the enduring impact of Dr. King’s message of freedom, justice, and equality.

Senator Carols Smith and Representative Anna V. Eskamani marched down Orange Avenue for the 41st MLK Holiday Parade Downtown Orlando, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III
Attendees were encouraged to go beyond celebration and take intentional steps to uphold Dr. King’s dream in their own lives. The event organizers emphasized the importance of supporting the parade’s mission through sponsorships, vendor opportunities, or active participation in future parades.
As the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade concluded, the sense of inspiration and unity lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the ongoing work to build a just and equitable society.
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 week agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
Central Florida News
Former Haitian Ambassador Dr. Rudolph Moise Reflects on Haiti Earthquake Anniversary and Rescue Efforts
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 15, 2025By
Willie David
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The 15th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti was commemorated in a solemn ceremony at the statue of Toussaint Louverture at the corner of North Miami Avenue and 62nd Street. The event, organized by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marlene Bastien and the Family Action Network Movement (FANM), honored the lives lost and the heroic efforts of those who provided aid during Haiti’s darkest hours.
Among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Rudolph Moise, former Haitian Ambassador at Large. He joined several South Florida elected officials, community leaders, and residents who gathered to pay their respects and share reflections on the tragedy that claimed the lives of over 250,000 people on January 12, 2010.
Dr. Moise’s First-Hand Role in Rescue Efforts
Dr. Moise highlighted his personal involvement as part of the Miami-Dade Urban Search and Rescue Team dispatched to Haiti immediately after the earthquake. “In 10 days, we pulled 12 people out of the rubble, including two children,” he shared during the ceremony, emphasizing the profound impact of those life-saving efforts.
The emotional gathering provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on the resilience of the Haitian people and the unity demonstrated in the face of such overwhelming loss. Commissioner Marlene Bastien remarked, “This ceremony is a reminder of the strength and solidarity that emerged in the aftermath of unimaginable devastation. We must continue to honor those we lost and support Haiti’s recovery.”
Impact and Legacy
The earthquake, which struck near Port-au-Prince, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, leaving millions displaced. The heroic efforts of rescue teams, including Dr. Moise and his colleagues, provided hope amid the chaos. Their actions remain a testament to the power of humanity and international cooperation.
Today’s ceremony also served as a call to action for continued support for Haiti’s rebuilding efforts and advocacy for disaster preparedness. Community members shared heartfelt comments, recalling the lives lost and the need to maintain focus on recovery and resilience.
Event Highlights
- The event was attended by several elected officials from across South Florida, including key community leaders and activists.
- Speeches were delivered at the statue of Toussaint Louverture, a symbol of Haitian independence and resilience.
- Personal reflections from attendees highlighted the ongoing emotional and cultural significance of the earthquake.
As Haiti continues its journey toward recovery, events like this remind us of the enduring strength and determination of its people and the critical importance of international solidarity.
Central Florida News
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 1 City Commissioner Jim Gray Break Ground on New Southeast Community and Government Center
Published
2 months agoon
December 3, 2024By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The City of Orlando, the Orange County Library System and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will break ground on a new, state-of-the-art community and government center, along with a library in Southeast Orlando. The opening of the new Southeast Community and Government Center (SCGC) represents a significant step in bringing city services closer to residents and businesses in the area. By providing convenient access to essential services, the center aims to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, ensuring that community members can easily engage with local government and access resources. Encompassing approximately 15,000 square feet, the SCGC will be a versatile, multi-functional facility tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community. Among its features, the center will play a pivotal role in supporting community safety initiatives. Serving as a regional police substation, it will facilitate enhanced coordination among the 17 police districts in the Southeast Orlando area. Additionally, the SCGC will include a satellite office for the District 1 City Commissioner and will offer convenient access to services such as Permitting, Code Enforcement, Communications and Neighborhood Relations, and Families, Parks and Recreation for residents and visitors. Moreover, the SCGC will feature public meeting rooms to accommodate resident gatherings and community meetings. The center will also house the Orange County Library System’s newest branch, the Lake Nona library. The new community and government center is made possible by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 2022 Community Project Funding Grant and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. One million dollars was awarded to the City of Orlando to help fund the SCGC, with the land being leased from GOAA. This project promises to deliver substantial benefits to the residents of Southeast Orlando community, aiming to enhance efficiency and responsiveness while fostering a stronger connection between the city and its residents and businesses, ultimately promoting a vibrant and supportive community. Construction of the Southeast Community and Government Center is expected to be completed by spring 2026. WHO: WHEN: WHERE: |
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