Central Florida News

Orange County’s Sculpture on the Lawn Call to Artists

Published

12 months ago

May 30, 2025

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

FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.

Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.

Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.

Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.

“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”

Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.

“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”

Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.

“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.

Central Florida News

Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor

Published

3 weeks ago

May 12, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.

Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.

GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.

In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.

“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.

Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.

Florida National News Photo

HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.

Business

Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook

Published

1 month ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

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.