ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Incumbent Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe clinched victory in the District 3 race, overcoming State Senator Linda Stewart in a contentious rematch. Both candidates entered the race amid controversies that fueled headlines and scrutiny.
Takeaways:
Ticket Scandal and Ethics Dismissal: Uribe faced intense scrutiny after a report revealed that she had transferred hundreds of event tickets from the county’s Skybox at the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium to her husband’s nonprofit since 2019. The nonprofit, however, had not filed recent 990 tax forms, sparking questions around possible personal benefit. While ethics concerns were raised, the Florida Ethics Commission ultimately dismissed the complaint against Uribe, affirming that no ethical violations occurred. Uribe and her husband consistently argued the issue was politically motivated.
Policy Change on Ticket Transfers: In response to the controversy, Orange County implemented a new rule in late October to close the loophole that allowed commissioners to assign county tickets to nonprofits of their choice.
Stewart’s Own Controversy: Sen. Linda Stewart also faced backlash from local officials after drafting a bill with a county lobbyist that could have restricted county control over funding for Visit Orlando. The move, seen by some as undermining county authority, led to the dismissal of the lobbyist after the Orlando Sentinel reported the story. Stewart’s attempt to preserve Visit Orlando’s funding without direct county involvement frustrated county leaders, adding tension to her campaign.
Uribe’s Statement on Reelection: After securing another term, Uribe expressed gratitude for the continued support from her constituents, promising to maintain transparency and prioritize community needs.
Impact of Uribe’s Win:
Demonstrates voter confidence despite ethical challenges and a heated campaign.
Highlights growing focus on ethics and transparency in county governance.
Secures Uribe’s role in shaping policy for District 3 as Orange County enforces stricter ticket transfer rules.
_______________________________________ J Willie David, III contributed to this report. news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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.
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
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