Central Florida News
Orlando International Fashion Week Welcomes Esteemed Partner, Build Ventures, to Host The Fashion Designer Competition at Porsche South Orlando
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.
Contact: Kait Doulou, kait@buildventuresusa.com; For Media Inquiries, please contact Angela Robbins: angela@moxiebrands.com
SOURCE Build Ventures
Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Business Owner Tatiana Fernandez running for Orange County Commission District 8
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a new District 8 seat to address the county’s continued population growth and expanding communities.
Tatiana Fernandez officially entered the race for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat after announcing her candidacy on social media and filing the necessary paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
Fernandez Highlights Business, Advocacy, and Community Leadership Experience
Fernandez, a Puerto Rican-born business owner, autism advocate, and community leader, said her campaign is focused on strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities throughout Orange County.
“Latinos are shaping the future of America,” Fernandez stated in her campaign announcement. “Together, we can build stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for our children.”
Fernandez currently serves on the Orange County Commission on Aging Board, where she advocates for programs and services benefiting seniors throughout the county.
Her professional and community background includes:
• Business owner since 2015 with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.
• Owner of Pantera Technical Services, a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• On-the-job training provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation students since 2019.
• Autism advocate serving families in Seminole County since 2007.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Born and raised in Puerto Rico.
• Resident of Florida since 2004 after living in Boston from 1994 to 2000.
• Academic studies in banking, pre-law, finance, government relations, and healthcare administration.
• Volunteer with the Lake Mary High School Robotics Program from 2017 to 2020.
• Registered volunteer for former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in both Orlando and Tallahassee offices.
• Candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Campaign Focused on Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses
Fernandez said Orange County residents deserve leadership that listens to the community and understands the challenges facing working families, senior citizens, and small-business owners.
“Our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and truly understands the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Orange County with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”
She is encouraging supporters to volunteer, share campaign information, and contribute to her effort to represent the newly established district.
Crowded Field Emerges for New District 8 Seat
Fernandez joins a growing field of candidates seeking election to the new Orange County Commission District 8 seat. Other announced candidates include Vic Torres, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, Isaiah Louis Anderson, Julio Rocha, and George Haas.
Candidate qualifying is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The primary election will be held on August 18, 2026, with voters selecting the first commissioner to represent the newly created district.
The District 8 seat is expected to be one of Orange County’s most closely watched races as candidates compete to represent a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse constituency.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
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
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.
