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Orange County Awards $15,000 Grant to Central Florida Dreamplex for Youth Wheelchair Basketball

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Division has awarded Central Florida Dreamplex a $15,000 Youth Sports Enhancement Grant to help expand the nonprofit’s Orlando Magic Dreamers youth wheelchair basketball program.

The funding will support the purchase of specialized sports wheelchairs and uniforms, helping make adaptive sports more accessible to young athletes ages 5 to 18 across Central Florida.

“Wheelchair basketball gave me a space where my disability didn’t hold me back,” said Adriel Rosario, a 16-year-old member of the Orlando Magic Dreamers. “The team gave me a community where I belong and a court where I can compete at full strength.”

Grant Expands Access to Adaptive Sports

Sports wheelchairs can represent a significant expense for athletes and their families. Orange County officials said the investment is intended to reduce that barrier and create more opportunities for young athletes who might otherwise be unable to participate.

The $15,000 grant will allow Central Florida Dreamplex to expand access to equipment while strengthening opportunities for youth participation in adaptive basketball.

“We are incredibly grateful to Orange County for investing in our athletes,” said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex. “This grant will help more young people get onto the court, build confidence, and experience the belonging that comes from being part of a team.”

Supporting Youth Sports in Orange County

Orange County’s Youth Sports Enhancement Grant provides financial assistance for facility improvements and program enhancements at eligible nonprofit organizations offering public youth sports programs.

To qualify, organizations must ensure their programs are accessible to participants and do not impose exclusionary eligibility requirements.

The Central Florida Dreamplex provides sports, recreation and other programs designed to serve people with disabilities and their families. The Orlando Magic Dreamers wheelchair basketball program gives young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills, compete and participate as part of a team.

For additional information about the Youth Sports Enhancement Grant and other funding opportunities, visit Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Grants Program.

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  1. Orange County Awards $15,000 Grant to Expand Youth Wheelchair Basketball
  2. Central Florida Dreamplex Receives $15,000 Orange County Grant for Orlando Magic Dreamers
  3. Orange County Invests $15,000 in Adaptive Youth Sports Through Central Florida Dreamplex

SEO Keywords: Orange County Florida, Central Florida Dreamplex, Orlando Magic Dreamers, wheelchair basketball, adaptive sports, youth sports, Orange County grants, Youth Sports Enhancement Grant, Central Florida youth sports, disability sports

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Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

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Central Florida News

Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.

The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.

Scheduled highlights include:

  • Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
  • Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
  • Food from Zaza.
  • Community resources from 311 and other participants.

Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839

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Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

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Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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