Central Florida News
Orange County’s Sculpture on the Lawn Call to Artists
Published
1 year agoon
By
Willie David
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs and the Public Art Review Board invite artists to submit work – existing or conceptual – for the 11th annual Sculpture on the Lawn exhibition, an outdoor display featured at the entrance to the Orange County Administration Center in the heart of downtown Orlando, Florida, where the works are visible to approximately 10,000 people daily.
Sculpture on the Lawn is open to experienced professional sculptors as well as students and emerging artists who specialize in the design, construction, and installation of outdoor sculptures. Up to four sculptures will be selected for display from January 2026 to January 2027.
Selection Criteria: The three main considerations are creativity, site appropriateness and durability. Images of finished works and conceptual drawings can be submitted. If the proposed project is not a finished work, artists need to provide information to assure the Selection Panel of what it will look like and that it will be completed and installed as designed by January 2026 as well as examples of past work.
Sites and Safety: While artistic quality is very important, works will be reviewed for durability, safety, and appropriateness to the site. Artworks must be structurally sound and able to withstand an outdoor environment in a largely unsupervised area that is not protected from weather or curious viewers. Orlando has a subtropical climate that is hot and humid with intense sun and seasonal heavy rains and hurricane-force winds. Avoiding potential problems such as deteriorating rust and fading should be considered. Orange County provides 12’ x 12’ concrete pads. Sculptures must be firmly secured to the pads.
Sculptures may have electrical components, as electrical outlets are available at each sculpture pad. Sculptors are responsible for securing wire connections for safety.
Selection Panel: Members of the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Public Art Review Board will make the selections. The Arts & Cultural Affairs Public Art Project Coordinator serves as the non-voting Chair of the Selection panel.
Honorarium: Each artist will be awarded $5,000 as a fee for the annual loan of his or her artwork and to help offset any necessary transportation, installation, and housing costs. No other compensation will be provided. A payment of $4,000 will be made upon installation and processing of required paperwork, and $1,000 will be paid upon removal and processing of required paperwork.
Artist Responsibilities: Selected artists must send the weight of sculpture, specific installation instructions, to coordinate with installation crew and Orange County Staff. Artists are responsible for transporting the artwork to the site on the specified date. If artwork is being imported to the United States, the artist’s shipping/customs agent must be both the verified exporter and importer for receiving.
Insurance: Orange County will insure the artwork up to its stated value or $50,000, whichever is less, for theft or major vandalism once installed. The artist will be responsible for any repairs needed due to fabrication defects or reasonable wear and tear of the object in a public location. Artists are encouraged but not required to secure liability insurance.
Sales: Sales of artworks are encouraged. Any sales inquiries will be forwarded to the artist or designated agent. No commission will be charged. Sculptures must remain on site until January 2027.
Application Requirements:
- There is a 6-foot minimum height preference. The sky is the limit for the maximum height. The sculpture base must fit within the 12’ x 12’ sculpture pad.
- Artists may submit up to five applications. Each sculpture must be submitted as a separate application.
- A minimum of 1 image is required, and a maximum is 5. Images of finished works or conceptual drawings can be submitted. If it is not a finished work, provide additional information to assure the Selection Panel of what it will look like and that it will be completed and installed as designed.
- Clearly indicate if the work is existing or a proposed new work.
- Remove artist names and watermarks from images.
- DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Applications, resumes, images and other materials must be submitted by midnight through the CaFÉ online service.
Timeline:
- Proposals due: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (midnight MT)
- Notification of acceptance: On or before June 17, 2024
- Installation Day: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Opening Reception: Friday, January 16, 2026 (5:30 to 6:30pm EST)
- International Sculpture Day: Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Sculptor participation expected)
- Sculpture Removal: Thursday, January 21, 2027
Contact: Dawn Knight, Public Art Project Coordinator, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs at Dawn.Knight@ocfl.net, 407-836-5540.
The mission of Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs: “To elevate Central Florida’s arts and culture to that befitting a diverse, world-class community.”
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Central Florida News
Orlando Begins Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Review, Addresses Property Tax Reform and Future Spending
Published
1 week agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The City of Orlando will officially begin its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process on Monday, July 13, with a public budget workshop outlining Mayor Buddy Dyer’s proposed spending plan for the coming fiscal year.
City officials said the proposed budget is balanced, does not increase the city’s millage rate, and continues to prioritize the core municipal services residents rely on every day.
Budget Workshop Scheduled for July 13
The budget process begins with a workshop at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Orlando City Hall.
During the workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget from Chief Financial Officer Jose Fernandez and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Jason Wojkiewicz.
In addition to presenting the proposed spending plan, city financial officials will discuss proposed property tax reform and its potential impact on future city budgets and long-term financial planning.
Public Hearings Scheduled for September
Following the budget workshop, Orlando residents will have opportunities to provide public input during two public hearings in September.
Budget Hearing No. 1
Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
During the first hearing, the City Council is expected to adopt a proposed millage rate and establish a tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Hearing No. 2
Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
The second and final public hearing will include the City Council’s vote to adopt the final millage rate, Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Takes Effect Oct. 1
If approved, Orlando’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year.
FY 2026-27 Budget Timeline
- Monday, July 13 — Budget Workshop (10 a.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 14 — First Public Budget Hearing (5:01 p.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 28 — Final Public Budget Hearing and Adoption Vote (5:01 p.m.)
- Thursday, Oct. 1 — Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Implementation
The annual budget process establishes funding priorities for city operations, public safety, transportation, parks, infrastructure, capital improvements and other municipal services while determining the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
Central Florida News
Orlando Police Arrest Three Following Shooting at West Lakes Apartment Complex
Published
1 week agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orlando Police arrested three suspects Thursday following a shooting at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments that led to a high-speed pursuit spanning Orange and Seminole counties.
Police said no injuries were reported despite multiple rounds being fired during the incident.
Shooting Reported at Apartment Complex
According to the Orlando Police Department (OPD), officers responded at approximately 3:50 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to the 2000 block of Orange Center Boulevard after receiving reports of gunfire at the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.
During the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance video showing occupants of a black sedan and a black SUV firing multiple rounds at two individuals riding scooters through the apartment complex.
Investigators said everyone involved fled the scene before officers arrived.
Police Locate Suspect Vehicles
Shortly after the shooting, Orlando officers located both suspect vehicles in the North Pine Hills area.
With assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), officers conducted a traffic stop on the black sedan and detained two suspects without incident.
Officers later located the black SUV and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, triggering a police pursuit.
Helicopter Assists During Pursuit
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit tracked the fleeing SUV from the air while directing responding officers on the ground.
The pursuit ended in Altamonte Springs, where the driver stopped in front of a Burlington Coat Factory, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
Orlando Police officers quickly apprehended the suspect.
Three Suspects Arrested
Police identified the suspects as:
Jacorey Lowery (DOB: July 8, 2006)
Charges:
- Attempted Felony Murder (Firearm/Discharge)
- Discharging a Firearm at Residential Property
Quincy Desponosse (DOB: April 21, 2008)
Charge:
- Principal to Attempted First-Degree Murder
Semaj Blackshear
Charges:
- Principal to Attempted Felony Murder with a Firearm
- Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement at High Speed with Disregard for Public Safety or Property
- Resisting an Officer Without Violence
- Juvenile Violation of Probation
None of the Suspects Lived at the Complex
Investigators determined that none of the three individuals arrested were residents of the Pendana at West Lakes Club Apartments.
Police have not released information regarding a possible motive or whether the suspects knew the two individuals on the scooters.
Investigation Continues
The Orlando Police Department said the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
Central Florida News
Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies
Published
2 weeks agoon
July 9, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.
The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.
Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.
The endorsing organizations include:
- Florida AFL-CIO
- Central Florida AFL-CIO
- SEIU Florida
- Florida Education Association
- Orange County Fire Fighters Association
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
- Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
- United Auto Workers
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
- Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
- SMART Transportation Division PAC
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596
Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’
In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He added:
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.
Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry
The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.
The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.
Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.
Competing Messages to Democratic Voters
Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.
Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.
The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.
Key Background
Samuel Vilchez Santiago
- Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
- Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
- Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
- Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.
Daisy Morales
- Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
- Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
- Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.
Race to Watch
Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.
The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
