ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Fashion Week, an Orlando non-profit organization, presents The Fashion Designer Competition on November 3, 2023 at Porsche South Orlando. Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) is a multi-day event that highlights over 30 designers from around the world and goes beyond the runway to provide a platform that nurtures and celebrates the artistry, innovation, and passion of the fashion industry. The Fashion Designer Competition will provide a sophisticated networking and social experience with a runway show and live voting at the event. Guests can immerse themselves in the world of high fashion and luxury cars while participating in choosing a winner of the designer showcase.
This partnership with Build Ventures goes beyond mere sponsorship; it’s a collaboration based on shared values and objectives. While Orlando is widely recognized as a top tourist destination, the value of what Orlando has to offer extends far beyond its world-famous theme parks. Both OIFW and Build Ventures are energized advocates for elevating the status of fashion in Orlando in support of the city’s ascent. Their shared mindset is to elevate the city’s identity by expanding the narrative from theme parks and tourism to one that includes luxury development, sophistication, and artistic brilliance.
“In the vibrant heart of Orlando, we stand at the cusp of a thrilling transformation. Florida is the second most valuable real estate market in the country, and we envision matching that value from an art, fashion and cultural perspective. Supporting OIFW with this event is just one of the many ways Build Ventures is propelling Orlando forward,” said Kait Doulou, Founder and President of Build Ventures.
“We are grateful for the support from Kait Doulou and Build Ventures. Welcoming guests with complimentary champagne will set the tone for what promises to be an evening of elegance. The sponsorship of a signature cocktail hour provides our guests with an experience that matches the talent in the room as we prepare to be dazzled by the designers in the competition,” said Nayrouz Olarte of Orlando International Fashion Week.
ABOUT ORLANDO FASHION WEEK Orlando International Fashion Week, held October 29 through November 5, 2023, is the premier fashion event held in the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida. Renowned for its thriving arts and cultural scene, Orlando sets the perfect backdrop for this multi-day fashion showcase featuring the collections of over 30 talented designers from around the world. The celebration of fashion transcends the runway, seamlessly blending luxury lifestyle, music, art, charity, the latest trends, education, and diversity & inclusion.
ABOUT BUILD VENTURES Founded by Kait Doulou, a certified general contractor and licensed real estate broker, Build Ventures is a woman owned general contracting and real estate development and investment firm. Providing vertically integrated construction, real estate, and property management services for the modern investor; Build Ventures offers turkey asset acquisition, horizontal and vertical building services, real estate advising, and project management for housing and hospitality developments.
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