Events
Orlando Honors its Veterans at the 20th Annual Veterans Day Parade
Published
7 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – For 20 years Orlando has honored its veterans by with its annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday. This year’s parade theme was about honoring World War II veterans who fought to keep our country safe and free.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer walks in the Veterans Day Parade. Photo: Leyton Blackwell/Florida National News.
The city honored World War II veterans with grand marshals who fought during many famous battles during World War II. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orlando City Commissioners, and the Mayor’s Veteran Advisory Council highlighted the World War II veterans during the opening ceremony, allowing some of them to talk to the audience about what they’ve sacrificed and the battles that they fought in.
After the ceremony honoring World War II veterans, the parade commenced with Mayor Dyer and World War II veteran grand marshals leading the parade. Other groups up front included many of the different departments from the local and county government. The Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff Department, and Orlando Fire Department had their honor guard marching and vehicles out.
Orlando Police Department Honor Guard walks in the Veterans Day Parade. Photo: Leyton Blackwell/Florida National News.
Many veteran- and active duty military-focused organizations participated in the parade, including Lake Nona Veterans Club, Navy Exchange Orlando, Air Force Association, Women Veterans Helping Veteran Women, UCF Veterans History Project, and many more.
UCF Veterans History Project participating in the parade. Photo: Leyton Blackwell/Florida National News.
Also, walking in the parade were many ROTC and JROTC chapters from around Central Florida, including University of Central Florida and Florida State University. Several high schools had their JROTC chapters walking in the parade as well, including Oak Ridge High School Air Force JROTC, East River High School Army JROTC, Evans High School Navy JROTC and Colonial High School Air Force JROTC.
Falcon Battalion from East Rive High School walking in the parade. Photo: Leyton Blackwell/Florida National News.
The annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade shows that Orlando cares about its veterans and honors them. The Orlando Veterans Day Parade is a great way that the community shows its support for veterans and all they have given to our country.
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Leyton Blackwell is a contributing photojournalist for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
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Entertainment
BookNet Fest Returns to Orlando with Bold Conversations and a Love for Storytelling
Published
1 year agoon
May 22, 2025ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Orlando’s vibrant literary scene will take center stage this May as BookNet Fest returns for its 2025 edition. Since 2017, the annual book convention has served as a unique space for readers, writers, and content creators to come together for a two-day celebration of stories and community. This year’s festival runs May 23–24 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, promising dynamic panels, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.
A highlight of this year’s event is the support from The New Romantics, a recently opened independent bookstore in Orlando dedicated entirely to romance fiction. The store is quickly becoming a beloved space for fans of the genre and is lending both heart and visibility to this year’s festivities as an official sponsor.
BookNet Fest 2025 is shaping up to be everything some recent book festivals weren’t. Following the chaos of the A Million Lives Book Festival—dubbed the “Fyre Festival of the book community” after attendees took to social media to express frustration over poor planning and mismanagement—many readers and authors are approaching book events with newfound caution. With more than 3.2 million views on the organizer’s TikTok apology and promises of refunds by May 31 from Archer Management, trust in book events is under scrutiny.
But BookNet Fest offers a reassuring contrast. Built by and for the community, the event has a track record of thoughtful programming, transparent planning, and genuine inclusivity. It’s a festival that prioritizes quality over flash—and it shows.
Among this year’s panel highlights:
“Ask a Lawyer: Legal Landmines in the Bookish World” will give attendees a rare chance to hear from professionals on navigating contracts, copyrights, and online publishing risks.
“Reading Under Threat” addresses the rise of book bans and censorship in the United States.
“Sinners and the Power of Black Storytelling” explores cultural legacy and creative innovation through the lens of Black literature.
What sets BookNet Fest apart is its intimate, creator-driven feel. Unlike large-scale expos or influencer-first events, this festival thrives on meaningful connection—between fans and authors, between colleagues and creators, and between people who simply love books.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring novelist, or a BookTok regular, BookNet Fest 2025 offers a grounded, uplifting space to learn, connect, and be inspired.
For tickets and more information, visit booknetfest.com
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
P!NK Brings ‘Summer Carnival’ Tour to Camping World Stadium on November 18
Published
2 years agoon
October 27, 2024Orlando, FL (FNN) – This is a reminder that multi Grammy-Award winner P!NK will be bringing her record-breaking Summer Carnival Tour to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on November 18, 2024. Joining her for this highly anticipated concert is boundary-breaking artist Maren Morris, known for her dynamic vocals and electrifying performances. Morris will support the final date of P!NK’s tour, stepping in to replace GROUPLOVE.
P!NK’s captivating live performances have generated tremendous fan enthusiasm, solidifying her status as a touring powerhouse.
With nearly 3 million tickets sold and an astonishing $350 million in revenue during last year’s tour across Europe, the UK, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, her 2023 Summer Carnival Tour was recognized as one of the top-grossing tours of the year by Billboard.
Known for her high-energy shows and stunning visual production, P!NK continues to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences for her fans.
Maren Morris, a Grammy-winning artist, has made waves in the music industry with hits like “My Church” and “The Bones,” blending country, pop, and R&B influences to create her unique sound. Her presence on this tour promises to elevate the concert experience, adding to the excitement surrounding P!NK’s performances.
Tickets for the concert are selling fast, starting at $29.95, but pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved, and fans can purchase them through the Camping World Stadium box office or at Ticketmaster.com. Please note that all dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice, and applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges may apply.
Camping World Stadium is located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place in Orlando. For more information about the concert and to stay updated on any changes, visit CampingWorldStadium.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary evening of music and celebration!
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Business
Kia Center to Host Hiring Events: Join the Winning Team!
Published
2 years agoon
October 14, 2024Job seekers will have the opportunity to explore part-time roles in areas such as guest services, security, food and beverage, and cleaning services, with same-day on-site interviews available. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes and two forms of identification. Additionally, those attending can apply for positions at nearby venues like Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. As a bonus, attendees will have a chance to win complimentary tickets to upcoming events, including performances by Simone Biles and Justin Timberlake. For more information, visit KiaCenter.com.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com