ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Fire Department officially welcomed its newest firefighters during a formal graduation ceremony recognizing the successful completion of training for New Hire Class 0126.

After months of rigorous and specialized training, the graduates received their badges, took the oath of office and were sworn in as full-time firefighters serving the residents of Orlando. City leaders say the department continues to expand its workforce to meet the needs of Orlando’s growing population.

Training and Certification

Many members of Class 0126 participated in the department’s recruitment program designed to develop local residents with little or no prior fire or emergency medical service experience into trained firefighters.

Through the program, recruits attended classes at Valencia College, where they earned their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Fire Standards certifications. The City of Orlando covered the cost of their education while recruits earned a salary during training.

After completing the recruitment program and receiving their certifications, the recruits joined the remainder of Class 0126 to complete the Orlando Fire Department’s orientation and training program.

City Investment in Public Safety

City officials say the recruitment initiative demonstrates Orlando’s commitment to investing in public safety while creating career opportunities for local residents.

The program was highlighted by Buddy Dyer during the State of the City Address in August 2025 as an example of how the city is building a pipeline of trained firefighters from within the community.

First Shift Begins

Several graduates from Class 0126 are scheduled to begin their first shift as Orlando firefighters on Saturday, March 14, marking the start of their careers serving the community and responding to emergencies across the city.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Friday that the team has signed free-agent quarterback Jake Browning and defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. The club also tendered a contract to running back Sean Tucker, keeping the young back in Tampa Bay.

BUCCANEERS ADD QUARTERBACK DEPTH WITH JAKE BROWNING

Browning (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) has appeared in 17 career NFL games, including 10 starts, totaling 2,707 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has also added 164 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns during his three NFL seasons.

Since 2023, Browning’s 22 total touchdowns rank as the most among quarterbacks with 10 or fewer starts.

The Folsom, California, native originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with the Minnesota Vikings following the 2019 NFL Draft. He played four collegiate seasons at the University of Washington, appearing in 53 games and completing 958 of 1,483 passes (64.6%) for 12,296 yards and 94 touchdowns.

Browning set school and Pac-12 records with 39 career wins as a starting quarterback and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting as a sophomore in 2016.

A’SHAWN ROBINSON BRINGS VETERAN PRESENCE TO DEFENSIVE LINE

Robinson (6-3, 320) enters his 11th NFL season after appearing in 143 career games with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.

The veteran defensive lineman has recorded 500 total tackles, including 37 tackles for loss, along with 37 quarterback hits, 23 passes defended and 15 sacks. Robinson has also forced six fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Since entering the league in 2016, Robinson ranks eighth among NFL defensive linemen in total tackles. He posted one of his most productive seasons in 2024 with Carolina, setting career highs with 43 tackles, eight quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks.

Robinson was originally selected in the second round (No. 46 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by Detroit after a standout career at the University of Alabama, where he helped the Crimson Tide win two SEC championships and the 2015 national title while earning consensus All-American honors.

He was also part of the Los Angeles Rams defense that won Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season.

BUCCANEERS TENDER CONTRACT TO RUNNING BACK SEAN TUCKER

Tucker (5-10, 205) has appeared in 45 career games for Tampa Bay, rushing 151 times for 651 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He has also caught 19 passes for 152 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

During the 2025 season, Tucker became one of only three NFL running backs to record at least 100 rushing yards, 30 receiving yards and three total touchdowns in a single game, accomplishing the feat in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills.

He also earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 6 of the 2024 season after producing 192 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints.

An undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft, Tucker played collegiately at Syracuse University, where he rushed for 3,182 yards and 27 touchdowns across three seasons. His 1,496 rushing yards in 2021 set Syracuse’s single-season program record.

APOPKA, Fla. (FNN) — Incumbent Apopka City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez, the city’s longest-serving commissioner, is seeking another term on the Apopka City Council representing Seat 2.

Velazquez is widely known for her visibility in the community and for maintaining an active presence with residents and local organizations.

Her campaign priorities focus on continuing to serve and support Apopka residents, including increasing public awareness about land development decisions and how those projects affect neighborhoods.

“Housing is a necessity right now,” Velazquez said, emphasizing the importance of educating residents about development projects approved by the city.

Velazquez was first elected to the Apopka City Council in 2014 and served until 2018. From 2018 to 2020, she was appointed as a planning and zoning commissioner for Orange County Government District 2 before being elected again to Apopka City Council Seat 2 in 2020.

A retired officer from the New York City Police Department, Velazquez is married to Ed Velazquez. The couple has two children.

Other candidates seeking the Apopka City Commission Seat 2 include George “Smitty” Smith and Angela D. Turner, setting up a three-candidate election for the seat, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Velazquez said voters should return her to office because of her experience, accessibility and continued commitment to addressing community concerns while guiding responsible growth in Apopka.