Central Florida News
OPINION: Democratic State Senator Victor Torres Seat Could Flip Republican or White
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) – Recently, Osceola County School Board Member Jon Arguello and St. Cloud Proud Foundation Founder Jose Martinez filed paperwork to run for the Florida State Senate District 25 open seat, according to the Florida Division of Elections’ website.
Both candidates are Hispanics and Republicans.
Could Senate District 25 Flip Republican?
Arguello and Martinez are hoping to flip State Senate District 25 seat for the Republican Party in 2024. Senate District 25 is heavily Hispanic with a large Puerto Rican population in Osceola and Orange counties.
During the 2022 midterm election, incumbent State Senator Victor Torres was clearly losing support among Democrat and independent Hispanic voters in Osceola County. Republican candidate Peter Vivaldi came within 300 votes of flipping Osceola County out of the Democratic Party’s hands. The Democrats appear to have their work cut out for them if they want to switch Osceola County from purple back to blue.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Ron DeSantis, both Republicans, won Osceola County in the 2022 election, showing an ideological shift in the population.
Florida State Representative Kristen Arrington, a Democratic candidate for Florida State Senate District 25, attends the Central Florida AFL-CIO annual Labor Picnic in Orlando. Photo by Florida National News.
Could Senate District 25 Flip White?
In since 2012, Darren Soto was the first and Victor Torres was the second Puerto Rican elected to the State Senate. Both are registered Democrats.
Democratic State Representative Kristen Arrington flipped a former Puerto Rican seat white when she won Florida House District 43 in 2020, vacated by then Democratic State Rep. John Cortes, who ran unsuccessful for Osceola County Clerk of the Courts. The seat is yet to be reclaimed by a Puerto Rican candidate because after redistricting, Rep. Arrington was re-elected by a landslide (Arrington 58.3% to Republican Christian De La Torre 38.7) to the predominantly Hispanic constituency, renamed District 46, in 2022.
And now, with her sights on Sen. Torres’s seat for 2024, Rep. Arrington may very well win (and flip) that seat too. Arrington carries with her a name with strong political capital. She’s working full time in the family business: Her mother-in-law, Mary Jane Arrington, is the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections, while her husband, Brandon Arrington, was elected for Osceola County Commissioner for District 3 in 2020 and became Board Chair in 2022.
After Arrington’s win in 2020, Puerto Rican Democrats only have one seat in the Florida House–Rep. Daisy Morales won in 2020 and lost in 2022 to Rita Harris, who is white and a Democrat, while Orange County School Board Member Johanna Lopez, who’s Puerto Rican and a Democrat won the District 43 seat that became available after redistricting split Rep. Morales’ District 48 in half (districts 43 and 44).
Arrington’s current Democratic opponent in the SD 25 race is Sen. Torres’s own wife Carmen Torres. While Torres has worked alongside her husband as well as their daughter–Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado–in building strong relationships among unions, Democrats and political action committees (PACs), the Arringtons appear to have a dynasty in Osceola County, so Torres will have her work cut out for her in that portion of the district.
In 2022 Arrington continued to make inroads with the Puerto Rican community by endorsing State Rep. Morales re-election bid, the only Puerto Rican in the Florida House, and co-sponsored bills Morales sponsored that were signed into law. However, Senator Torres, his daughter and wife chose to endorse Harris, who is white, instead of gaining an additional House seat (District 44) and political power for the Hispanic community.
Puerto Rican political organizers and activists told NBC News, “We must elect more Puerto Ricans to local and state offices and Congress.”
During the 2022 election, Governor DeSantis focused heavily on voter registration, which appeared to benefit him in Osceola County, and the Democrats will need to focus on GOTV (get out the vote) and voter registration efforts in order to increase their chances of victory. With 2024 being a presidential election year, more Democrats will turn out, but Democrats, especially in the Hispanic and Puerto Rican communities, will need to take a page out of DeSantis’s playbook and unify–with zero infighting whatsoever, despite their differences–and turn out every vote they possibly can in order to protect their representation. If not, the seats will continue to be scooped up by others.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
